Antique Two-Piece Silk Brocade Dinner Dress, ca. 1898

This exquisite two‑piece silk brocade dinner dress, dating to around 1898, is a refined example of late Victorian evening fashion. Both bodice and skirt are crafted from a pale blue‑green silk brocade, a luxurious textile favored for formal wear at the end of the 19th century.

The bodice features upper sleeves made of off‑white silk faille, complemented by black lace at the neckline, sleeves, and sleeve hems. Inside, the bodice is lined with cotton and boned for structure, and fastened with charming crochet ball buttons, typical of high‑quality garments of the period.

The skirt is cotton‑lined at the upper portion and reinforced with a buckram layer between lining and outer fabric below the knees, giving it the characteristic late‑Victorian shape. The interior hem is finished with off‑white velvet, while the lower skirt is richly decorated with ribbons, pleats, and bows, adding depth and movement to the silhouette.

The ensemble is in very good overall condition, with age‑appropriate imperfections: slight fraying at the seam above the uppermost button, a stain beneath the lace on the right sleeve, a few tiny dots of discoloration, and discreet underarm staining. The skirt waistband shows fraying where a button may once have been, and the lining and hem display a few light marks. These minor flaws are subtle and barely noticeable when the garment is displayed.

With provenance from the Monterey History and Art Association, this dinner dress represents a rare opportunity to acquire a museum‑quality Victorian garment with documented historical background. Decorative items shown in photographs are not included.

Measurements

Bust: ~ 77 cm
Waist: ~ 62 cm
Length: ~ 140–150 cm