I designed this dress many years ago for my good friend, Dr. Marijean Ferguson. She was a sociology professor at a local college and did many fascinating historical presentations. One of them was “Mrs. Andrew Carnegie”, and this was her dress for that presentation. She died several years ago and I purchased the dress from her estate, as I know it was one of her favorites.  

This is a very elaborate dress! It has three layers of fabric in the skirt and has a train. The first layer is a heavy bridal satin that is cut in gores with bias ruffles around the hem. The second layer is organza that is cut over the same pattern, but has more bias ruffles. The third layer is a lavender woven lace – the ruffles of the underskirts give it a floating effect. The bodice has the same three layers, with only the organza and lavender lace filling in the neckline. The sleeves are antique embroidered cotton. The outfit is trimmed with purple velvet ribbon and antique laces. A silk flower corsage (also handmade by me) adorns the shoulder, and it has a matching reticule (purse).  The pattern was from Past Patterns, Ball, Tea, Or Dinner Gown 1890’s.  It is out of print but when last I checked, was still available on Amazon Drygoods.