Green and fawn dress (bodices and skirt)

This beautiful ensemble was worn by Margaret Watt of Wanganui.

This ensemble comprises a skirt, evening bodice and day bodice, all of which are made from the same patterned silk taffeta. The pattern features wide, vertical bands of pale green shot silk and fawn shot silk, which are linked by a woven pattern which mimics military 'frogging' which was a popular decoration in women's clothing in the 1850s. The outfit is both hand and machine stitched.

The evening bodice features a wide V-neckline, short sleeves, boning, a deep peak at the front and a 'tail' at the back comprising three panels, each of which is trimmed with handmade cream lace and black glass beads. The bodice fastens centre front with seven wooden functional buttons covered with green silk thread (some have worn through).

The second bodice features a high neckline, drop shoulders, and full length pagoda sleeves. It fastens centre front with eight functional buttons, and three hooks and eyes, two at the waist and one at the neck. The bodice is trimmed along the side panels with wide black net lace, and the cuffs and bodice panels feature black piping. The buttons are covered in a bright green textured textile, with a pale green centre. Both bodices are lined with silk and cotton.

Only part of the skirt, which would have originally been fashioned for a crinoline, remains.