Dark brown satin and velvet dress (bodice and skirt)

This elegant dress comprises an asymmetrical skirt and bodice on two contrasting fabrics, and was worn by Janet Stevenson of Southsea, England.

The fitted bodice has narrow sleeves, a pointed front and short 'tail' at the back, which is split into four sections following the back seams, and 13 functional buttons made, which are made from glass. The bodice is made from a dark chocolate satin and embellished with a chestnut brown fabric featuring wide vertical stripes of groisgrain and flecked velvet around stand-up collar and cuffs. This contrasting fabric has also been used to mimic lapels running to the waist. The bodice is boned and lined with cream cotton with a fine red and black strips, and padded across the front of the chest.

Whereas the bodice showcases the satin, the skirt is predominantly made from the contrasting grosgrain and velvet striped fabric. The maker, however, has contrasted the stripe with a dramatic side panel in the satin, which comprises five layers of deep pleats. The skirt also features a box pleated hem frill in the satin.

The skirt features wide, horiztonal boning for the attached bustle, which is made from cream cotton and is stuffed with fibre.