1885's Victorian Bustle Ball Gown

Description

Red velvet ballgown bodice and four gore skirt, black and red overskirt. Decorated black top hat and vintage muff.

Inspiration

Victorian ladies wearing top hats

Patterns used

Truly Victorian #362, 1884's Wash overskirt
Truly Victorian #261, 1885's Four gore skirt.
Truly Victorian,#460, 1885's Cuirass Bodice.

More information

This ballgown bodice was especially made for a Dutch Fantasy Event, the Elf Fantasy Fair 2009, at Haarzuilens.
I have tried to keep the costume itself as authentic as possible, but a real victorian lady wouldn't have worn a top hat with a ballgown, which was added to give the whole outfit a more gothic look.

The ballgown bodice has been decorated with antique beadwork. Some of it probably even victorian. The sleeves are made of the same fabric as the overskirt. The hems of the bodice are embellished with black lace. The bodice closes in front with hooks and eyes.

Ballgown bodice made and worn in 2009.