Antique Victorian Sapphire Blue Velvet Skirt & Cutaway Bodice Jacket with Gold Bullion Soutache Embroidery, Historical Costume, Medium

Incredible antique late Victorian two-piece dress ensemble, dating to circa the late 1880s through early 1890s, and representing an extraordinary example of high-style historical costume craftsmanship. This remarkable set pairs an ornate sapphire blue silk skirt lavishly embroidered in gold metal bullion soutache with a dramatic dark sapphire shot-velvet cutaway bodice jacket / overdress, equally embellished with gold metal bullion embroidery, braided metal tape, metallic lace, and sculptural velvet detailing.

The skirt is crafted from rich sapphire blue silk taffeta and features a striking central panel of felted wool, densely embroidered with scrolling gold metal bullion soutache. The silhouette is conical, with a beautifully pleated hem that transitions into a straight under-hem and finishes with two scalloped dust-ruffle hems. The waistband is lined in a glazed grosgrain-type band and fastens at the center back with two hook-and-eye closures. Two cotton ties are stitched to the interior back sides of the skirt approximately one-third down from the waistband. Shown styled with a small wire bustle for display only (not included).

The cutaway bodice jacket is crafted from luxurious dark sapphire blue shot velvet, woven with a gold ground beneath the blue nap, creating a luminous shimmer as the light shifts. Braided gold metal tape trims the neckline, while the collar is richly decorated with matching gold metal bullion soutache embroidery on felted wool, echoing the skirt panel. Velvet bows accent each shoulder, with metallic gold lace woven between the bow loops. The three-quarter-length sleeves are finished with velvet floral accents, followed by layers of gold bullion embroidery, braided metal tape, and black needlerun net lace edged in scalloped gold-tone trim.

The jacket fastens down the front with nine gold-tone shank buttons and forms a subtle V-point at the waist. A dramatic cutaway front reveals the long velvet skirt panels at each side, while the back is shaped with flattering seamwork and gathered below the waist to create an elongated, sweeping train. The bodice is fully lined in black ribbed silk, completely boned, and finished with an interior silk waistband secured with two hook-and-eye closures. The interior sides of the skirt portion are lined in blue ribbed silk, with the hem finished in matching sapphire silk taffeta. Two silk bands extend from each interior side of the skirt, along with small silk ribbon remnants that once fastened to exterior loops now partially lost.

A truly exceptional Victorian ensemble, remarkable not only for its design and ornamentation but also for its survival in such extraordinary condition.

Label: None
Content: Shot silk with gold ground, silk taffeta, ribbed silk, gold metal bullion, braided gold metal tape, metallic lace, felted wool, sequins

Best Fit: Medium

Skirt Measurements
Waist: 31"
Hip: Free
Length: 39"

Cutaway Bodice Jacket / Overdress Measurements
Bust: 36"–37"
Waist: 32" (interior waistband)
Hip: Free
Length: approx. 70" to back train
Shoulder Width: approx. 15"
Sleeve Length: approx. 12 1/2"–17" (to asymmetrical lace trim)

Condition: Extremely good antique condition and presents beautifully.
Skirt: One minor darn, one minor hole, and two pin-size holes present. Felted embroidered panel requires a few securing hand stitches along the edges. Small ribbon loops are cut.
Bodice: Interior fine silk bands at the skirt sides and center are fragile. All wear is consistent with age and does not detract from the overall presentation.

Enjoy! #24-222 

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