item details
NameWedding Dress
ProductionW.T. Waters & Co. Ltd.; tailor; circa 1900; Sydney
Classificationdresses, wedding dresses
Materialssilk, gauze
DimensionsWaist circumference: 590mm (width)
Registration NumberPC000907
Credit lineGift of Miss Alison MacKay, 1964
Overview
This wedding dress, made by W T Waters and Co of Sydney, is a fine example of the changes in fashion heralded by the death of Queen Victoria and the ascension of King Edward to the throne in 1901. Silhouettes narrowed, accentuating the bust and behind and creating the S-shaped silhouette typical of this time.
The most striking detail of this dress is the high collar that became known as the Edwardian collar. The collar is in fact a separate piece of fabric, consisting of a ruched tulle and lace insert set into the bodice, secured in place by hook and eye fastenings.