La Mode illustrée, no. 11, 15 mars 1885, Paris. Robe en lèze écrue sur satin vieux vert. Ville de Paris / Bibliothèque Forney
La jupe courte, faite en satin vieux vert, est recouverte en lèze écrue. Le corsage, ouvert en pointe devant et derrière, fait en satin vieux vert, est recouvert en lèze écrue, ouverte devant, montant jusqu'à l'encolure derrière; on dispose la dentelle en petits plis qui forment des bouillonnés au-dessous de la taille. La moitié supérieure des manches demi-longues est plissée; on fronce le bord inférieur des manches, on les garnit d'une petite bande de velours vieux vert. Une ceinture en velours vieux vert avec un nœud et une rosace en ruban de velours complètent le corsage, fermé par devant.
The short skirt, made in old green satin, is covered in ecru lèze. The bodice, open at the front and back, made of old green satin, is covered in ecru lèze, open in front, reaching up to the neckline behind; we arrange the lace in small folds which form bubbles below the waist. The upper half of the half-length sleeves are pleated; we gather the lower edge of the sleeves, we garnish them with a small strip of old green velvet. An old green velvet belt with a bow and a velvet ribbon rosette complete the bodice, closed at the front.
In the 1870-1880s bustles came into fashion. Those were pillows, wire or wicker frames, worn under the skirt at the back below the waist, and used to expand fullness and shape silhouette. For this purpose, frills, draperies, and pleats were also used.
The dresses were decorated with embroidery and lace. Made of taffeta, they were adorned with bows and silk ribbons. Under the dress, corset with lacing was worn. This is an exquisite and perfectly preserved visiting dress, which symbolizes the wealth and prosperity of its era.