The Civil War is most known for it's Hoop Skirt gowns and giant Chantilly lace shawls during an approximate 10 year time period. I have broken up the first part of this Victorian Era into 2 parts. The first one being primarily the full hoop skirts that everyone is so familiar with, and the second one which begins with the Full Hoop but clearly transistions into the Early Bustle Era with the Eliptical Hoop dresses leading the way. In the photo above, Delaware's Delight (my oldest daughter) is wearing a reproduction of an Eliptical Hoop dress. She is wearing 2 petticoats with the hoop to get the full effect that was desired for this period. The dress is constructed of salmon colored dutchess satin, fully flatlined with symphony broadcloth, and covered with ivory silk striped organdy. It is trimmed with ivory venise lace of two types, antique Czech glass buttons, and venise lace appliqués. The berthe around the bodice is made of the same fabrics and lace with the addition of silk net tulle and peach fresh water pearls hand sewn on. The original dress is in the Kyoto Costume Institute in Japan.
______________________________________________
