Ephemeral Elegance

Velvet and Lace Gown, 1895

Worn by Wilhelmina von Hallwyl to her daughter’s wedding

Designed by Augusta Lundin, sold by Au Bon Marche. Portrait by Julius Kronberg.

Via Hallwyl Museum

Court Presentation Ensemble, 1896

Worn by Emily Warren Roebling for her formal presentation to Queen Victoria in 1896, at the coronation of Tsar Nicholas II and Empress Alexandra Feodorovna that same year, and in her portrait by Charles-Émile-Auguste Carolus-Duran.

Gown via Met Musuem

Portrait via Brooklyn Musuem

Lace Trimmed Day Dress, ca. 1890

House of Worth

Worn by Mary Chamberlain in her portrait by John Everett Millais.

Portrait via Birmingham Museums. Dress via Fashion Museum Bath

Two Piece Evening Dress, ca. 1893-95

Atelier Mrs. C. Donovan, New York

Palazzo Pitti via Europeana Fashion

Tassel Embellished Day Dress, ca. 1860s

via Museo del Traje

Beaded Velvet Dinner Dress, ca. 1893-95

Poussineau, Auguest & Emile for Maison of Félix

via FIDM

Linen Gauze Skirt and Mantlet, ca. 1865-70

via Daguerre

Afternoon Dress, ca. 1890s

Owned by Empress Elisabeth of Austria

via Sissi Museum

Jacquard Woven Silk Day Dress, ca. 1885

Mrs Francis

via V&A

Evening Dress, ca. 1895-1900

via unknown

Velvet and Brocade Dress, ca. 1884-85

via Cincinnati Art Museum

Brocade Ball Gown, ca. 1880-85

via Augusta Auctions

Silk Velvet Afternoon Dress, ca. 1885-88

Gowan and Strachan

via National Museum Scotland

Silk Plush Velvet Dressing Gown, ca. 1880s 

via Fashion Museum Bath

Enamel and Glass Mourning Brooch, ca. late 19th Century

via Ruby Lane

Tulle Overlaid Evening Gown, ca. 1850s

Owned by Mary Holden Illingworth

via Kerry Taylor Auctions

Lace Trimmed Morning Dress, ca. 1868

via National Museum Krakow