The Gracious Ghost
Antique Gothic Victorian (Napoleon III)
French Black Lace Mourning Gown 2-piece Ensemble
with Intricate Silk Appliqué

I found this absolute treasure of an antique Victorian (Napoleon III) era two-piece gown ensemble (comprised of a matching bodice top & skirt) many years ago in France. I've had my work featured in a Gothic Victorian museum exhibit before with a focus on mourning wear, and this piece is every bit as sumptuously detailed & lovingly made as those on display if not moreso. It has such an elegant, ghostly effect flowing out with an abundance of lace accented with graceful hand-cut silk appliqué work throughout, edged in delicated black cording, all of which gracefully drapes as it flares outward towards the very full lower hem with dramatic sweeping train. The ensemble has pale contrast lining within to help show off the incredibly delicate lace designs and give a darkly ethereal feel. Due to the fragility of the materials, this could be simply used for display, but it could also become the base of a hauntingly beautiful ensemble where this fragile beauty's signs of the passage of ~well~ over a century will add a sense of lush timeworn history to the overall effect!

SIZING: The blouse portion of the gown ensemble measures approx. 38" at the chest, the waist measures approx. 28" (rather reasonable considering many of the "petite" sizes of this era!), the sleeve length from shoulder to hem is approx. 23 1/2", and the bodice's front length from shoulder to hem is approx. 18 1/2", while the back length from nape to hem is approx. 18". For the skirt portion, the waist measures approx. 29", while the overall front length from waist to hem is approx. 35 1/2", and the back length from waist to hem is approx. 49 1/2" long due to the longer train which extends gracefully.

CONDITION: As these delicate materials are authentic antique, they do of course have some condition issues reflective of their age and prior enjoyed use such as some various holes and frayed edges here & there. However, it is still a stunningly gracious piece, worthy either of elegant display (would be gorgeous in a Victorian mourning wear exhibit) or ready to live out a mysterious new chapter if you're going for an elegant ghostly effect.