Canary Yellow Silk Gauze Skirt Circa 1820s
Rouleaux Trim

The simplicity of fashions of the early 1800s gave way in the 1820s to a more exuberant style seen in the emboldened fabrics and surface decoration. Rouleaux were used for decoration as well as to add body where needed such as the hemline of a skirt or dress.

Skirts such as this one would have been worn over another dress, skirt or petticoat in a contrasting color. This one dating to the 1820s is made of canary yellow silk gauze with flowers woven into the body and a wide border at the hemline. The hemline also features a wide padded rouleaux with piping at the top edge. Gathered by hand onto a silk ribbon waistband the skirt is seamed at the sides with a back closure of flat brass hooks and eyes.

The piece is delicate by the very nature of the filmy fabric yet is has remained remarkably intact. There is no weakness in the fabrics and what one would consider minor wear for a piece that is nearly 200 years old. There are scattered holes in the gauze as we have attempted to show in the photos, but this is perfectly acceptable in such an unusual and rare piece.

Waist ~ 32"

Length ~ 39"