Description
This antique black velveteen and red ribbon “lacing” stage costume bodice was most likely intended to resemble circa 1600-1700s styles. Vintage and antique costume pieces can be difficult to date, but based on its construction, I am going to estimate the bodice’s actual age to be approximately 1910s to 1920s It is made of black cotton velveteen backed with black cotton sateen, trimmed with metallic gold braid and bright red silk ribbons crisscrossed over its front panel, similar to corset lacing. The hem is longer and pointed at the center front and back, and higher at the sides. The wide straps are quite short, with the bodice either intended to fit fairly high up over the bust, and/or for a shorter person. It has no boning like an actual corset, but was probably meant to fit fairly snugly The bodice fastens down the left front of the center panel, with small hooks and eyes. I have shown it laid flat as well as on my size XS mannequin, and you can clearly see that it is a larger size. It is in very condition, perfectly wearable. It is sturdy aside from the ribbon bow at the bottom of the front panel, which is beginning to fray. Also, there some small scuff marks on the surface of the velveteen, at the center back. See close-up photos. The bodice has been altered several times in the past, probably to fit different wearers. It has been recently dry-cleaned, but I would not recommend that in future, in order to preserve ribbon trim. A great find for a collector of antique stage costumes, this 1900s-1920s piece is more wearable than most!
Size: approx. modern M to L. I estimate 38 D or DD, 40B or C, or 42A, max.
Happy to provide any additional measurements needed!
- Bust: 44 inches flat, to fit 43 max.
- Slightly high waist, measured at side seams: 38 inches flat.
- Length: 14 inches from top of straps to hem in front.
- Underarm to hem at side seams: 7 inches.
- Total length of straps: 10 inches.
- Length from center front panel neckline to hem: 13 inches.
- Label: none
