Bodice question

[Virginia]

All,
Hello, I am new to the forum, if I posted this in the wrong area I apologize.
While discussing bodices the other day, the topic of brocade being used as a ball gown bodice in conjunction with a solid color skirt came up. I have not, in any of my research heard of this. I was wondering if any of you might know how common this practice was, or if it was even used at all? If it was used is there a particular age group that this style would have been more appropriate for? This practice would go against what the majority of woman wore, the dress made of a single fabric. I have my doubts as to the authenticity of this style. Any and all help with this is appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.

Regards,
Maryanne Roger

[annarose]

Re: Bodice question

Ms. Roger,

As far as I know, brocade would be a little heavy for a ball dress anyway. As for wheather or not the bodice would be a different color than the skirt, I have never seen a cdv or original ball dress like that. If I am wrong, someone can please correct me, but I'd have to say that it would be very uncommon, if done at all. But, as I've learned, never say never, as soon as you do someone will prove you wrong. I would stick with the safe option of all one color, myself, I know that was done! :)

Sincerely,

[LaTigermom]

Re: Bodice question

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All,
Hello, I am new to the forum, if I posted this in the wrong area I apologize.
While discussing bodices the other day, the topic of brocade being used as a ball gown bodice in conjunction with a solid color skirt came up. I have not, in any of my research heard of this. I was wondering if any of you might know how common this practice was, or if it was even used at all? If it was used is there a particular age group that this style would have been more appropriate for? This practice would go against what the majority of woman wore, the dress made of a single fabric. I have my doubts as to the authenticity of this style. Any and all help with this is appreciated. Thank you in advance for your time.

Regards,
Maryanne Roger

[LaTigermom]

Re: Bodice question

Hello Maryanne,
although we are not new to reenacting I am new here too! just recently I came across some period pictures of Mirro de modes photos, from France, as I understand we americans wanted to mimic the fashions of Paris, in those pictures there are ladies wearing ball gown dress's the bodice is clearly in 2 colors and the skirt also has the 2 color imcorporated in it also. Our daughter just had her ball gown bodice made in ivory brocade and it came out stunning ! As the orevios lady said, "never say never" I have found in the 13 years we have been doing this some one will always have an opinion !
enjoy and have a great week!
La Tiger Mom

[Carolann Schmitt]

Re: Bodice question

Extant original evening or ball dresses from the mid-19th century are invariably made with the bodice and skirt constructed from the same fabric(s). Dresses made with the bodice solely from one fabric and the skirt from a completely different fabric do not come into fashion until later in the century.

There are a few extant examples of dresses that use two different fabrics; but both fabrics are used in both the bodice and the skirt. Often, original dresses made from two different fabrics show evidence of being altered from an earlier garment made from only one fabric; the second fabric is added during the alteration. Period fashion plates that show two different colors in a formal dress are fairly common, and there are supporting extant examples; but the same fabrics and colors are used for both bodice and skirt, not just one or the other.

Period jacquard fabrics such as brocade are very lightweight. Similar fabrics are available today but they can be harder to find and are often more costly. The brocades and damasks found in the home decorating section of most fabric stores are too heavy, affecting the drape of the dress and increasing the discomfort level of the wearer. They are much more appropriate when used for their intended purpose – on your sofa or at your windows. :)

With the exception of the dropped armsyce, there are no absolutes in Civil War era clothing, but there are prevailing fashions and methods of construction. A formal dress with the bodice made from one fabric and the skirt made from a completely different fabric would be an unusual exception.