Antique Turn-of-the-Century Floral Silk Gibson Girl Dress Set, Victorian Edwardian Two-Piece, XS

Museum-quality antique late Victorian to early Edwardian two-piece dress set, dating to circa 1898–1902. Crafted from luxurious deep midnight blue silk patterned with delicate woven floral sprigs in soft pink and lavender, the fabric has a fluid, luminous quality that drapes beautifully with movement. This exceptional ensemble is a rare and finely constructed example of transitional Gibson Girl–era dressmaking.

The bodice is expertly tailored with subtle gathering through the bust, creating the softly full Gibson Girl silhouette above a narrow, nipped waist. A high collar and front panel are trimmed with tonal silk ribbon detailing, while long, fitted sleeves taper neatly at the wrists. A matching wide silk sash fastens at the waist and finishes with a bow detail at the center back.

The bodice is fully lined and boned at each seam, with pink silk ribbon finishing the interior panels beneath hook-and-eye closures that run down both front sides. Three small hooks are stitched along the lower back boning to secure the bodice neatly to the skirt.

The coordinating skirt falls in a graceful front A-line, with beautifully folded gathers cascading down the center back from a fitted waistband. Two long silk ribbon streamers extend down the front left side, each ending in charming bow accents. The skirt is lined in glazed cotton and buckram, finished with a velvet-trimmed hem, and closes at the center back with two hook-and-eye fasteners. Three interior eyes along the upper inner waistband further anchor the bodice securely in place.

A truly special and well-preserved example of late Victorian to early Edwardian craftsmanship!

Label: None
Content: Printed silk, glazed cotton, buckram, velvet, silk ribbon

Best Fit: XXS / XS

Skirt Measurements
Waist: 23" (up to approx. 24" using the outermost hook-and-eye only)
Hip: Free
Length: 38"

Bodice Measurements
Underarms (Bust): 33"
Waist: 24"
Front Length: 16"
Back Length: 17 1/2"
Shoulder Width: 12 3/4"
Sleeve Length: 23"

For reference, the model is 5'2" with a 31.5" bust and 25.5" waist. Only the outermost skirt hook was fastened, and the fit was very snug; a maximum waist of 24" is recommended for comfort.

Condition: Museum-quality antique condition. Structurally excellent silk with two pin-size holes present. Very faint yellowish discoloration is visible on the skirt and bodice only upon close inspection under light. Portions of the silk ribbon underlining at closures are missing. One interior boning channel requires a few securing stitches at the top. Minor discoloration is present to the interior lining. 

Enjoy! #24-85 

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