Exquisite Victorian 1890s Antique Burgundy Boned Bodice With Incredible Sleeves

This exceptional bodice was made in the 1890s from silk taffeta in a rich burgundy and black striped pattern. The stripes have been cleverly used to accentuate the strong silhouette with beautiful pattern matching. A small stand up collar highlights the elegant neckline and a row of metal hooks and eyes fasten the bodice at the front. Darting nips in the waist and the structure is enhanced through boning and a waist tape inside. The huge puffed gigot sleeves come into a more fitted silhouette below the elbow, dating the piece to circa 1895, and add real drama to the bodice. At the back, gentle ruching creates a small pointed bustle to accommodate the skirts of the period. Inside, the bodice us lined in cream cotton with boning and has a waist tape with the maker’s name of Mademoiselles Claebien printed on gold lettering.

Bust: 35”

Waist: 26”

Shoulders: 13 1/4” seam to seam

Length: 19”

The bodice is in very good condition with only some very minor areas of wear as pictured. 

This garment is available to purchase with or without dress shields. These clever little contraptions have been made by our seamstress to an original 1940s pattern and can be simply attached to your garment by tack stitching at the corners of the underarm seam, pinning (we wouldn’t recommend that, it hurts if it goes wrong, so if you try this, it is at your own risk only) or inserting tiny poppers. They then stand ready to absorb any sweat and body odours as needed and you can simply detach and launder them instead of your garment, saving you a fortune in dry cleaning bills.

They are equally suitable for suits, blazers and dresses and come in two different options:

1. Pure cream cotton for your heavier weight dresses, blazers and suits

or

2. White cotton muslin for lightweight summer dresses (so they don’t show through the fabric)

They are universally sized and super easy to use even for a sewing novice as only a couple of tiny stitches are required at each side to secure them.

We sell Dress Shields as a standalone item or at a discount if you purchase them with a garment. We will select the appropriate type to match the garment you have purchased.