2-995-746 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Paris Fashions for December, 1860. '1. Visiting Dress. Robe of plain colour, having near the bottom of the jupe a wide band of black velvet, edged with a narrow ruching of rose-coloured taffeta...The long hanging sleeve is bordered to match, and is still further decorated by four velvet macaroons...2. Walking Dress. '...a dark - coloured merino dress, long-waisted. A band of velvet, trimmed with a narrow guipure, is attached brace-fashion in front and behind the shoulders. The waistband, fringed out at the long flowing ends, and fastening with two large flat bows, is of the same material as the robe. The bonnet is of mauve-coloured silk...3. Evening Dress. This dress is of black silk, ornamented with six flounces separated, and surmounted by a silk plaiting of the same colour as the robe, and edged with narrow lace. The corsage is low-necked, descending with a long point in front of the waist; from each shoulder down to the waist-line a graduating trimming of silk plaiting serves as the principal ornament, [with] a large bow in the centre...The sleeves consist of three small flounces, and the under-sleeves are of white tulle. The simple headdress is composed of marguerites attached to the back hair in such a manner as to conceal the comb'. From "Illustrated London News", 1860.