Rare Pink Silk Walking Dress Circa 1815 - 1820

As the popularity of the lightweight and delicate "chemise" gowns of the early 19th century began to wane woven silks which were not addaptable to the earlier styles began to be used once again. The pale pink silk dating to circa 1770 was then used to make this fashionable walking dress circa 1815.

It has survived in amazingly good condition with the silk being strong and without shattering. As you can see the waist line of this dress is not quite as high as earlier fashions dictated and has dropped close to the level of the natural waist. The fiddle back bodice is also typical of the period with side, back and shoulder seams forming a diamond shape. The front closure is asymmetrical with self covered buttons and thread loops which are also found at the cuff of the sleeves. The ruffles trimming the cuffs, neck and hem lines are made of the same silk fabric that has been edged with elaborate silk braid in a matching color.

The bodice is lined in natural polished cotton while the skirt is unlined. The silk fabric is quite beautiful and difficult to show in detail in photos. It has a tiny horizontal pin stripe in alternating shades of pink and ivory in the background with vertical satin stripes which alternate from a series broken dotted lines to a solid satin strip with fleur de lis pattern.

The condition is exceptional with a few very minor issues. There is some yellowish discoloration noted on the skirt that blends naturally with the color and folds as well as sever small holes in the silk as one would expect. Several of the holes have been stabilized by a previous owner. There is one larger split in the fabric that will need to be stabilized. It is located on the skirt about three inches below the waist line to the left side. It is a horizontal split that appears to have occurred along an old fold line. It measures approximately three inches in length and can be seen to the left side of the sixth photo in the slide show.