Paisley Tea Gown

c. 1885

A paisley wool tea gown (American, c. 1885) made by Jennie M. Carr, a Providence, RI dressmaker whose shop was located at 356 Benefit Street. The over gown has long fitted sleeves with slightly flapped lace trimmed cuffs, trimmings of thin blue ribbon clusters, a princess back, cartridge pleated back waist panel insert, and an organdy dust ruffle. The false honey yellow under gown has a polished cotton type lining with a center front fasten, buttons right of center, a fringed tie at center, and matching waist sash ties.

Offering a relatively relaxed silhouette for home wear, tea gowns enjoyed widespread popularity in the 1870s through the 1890s. Its fine details and stylish paisley motif suggest that Jennie Carr catered to a trend-conscious clientele.

American, Providence

printed surah

poult de soie

lace

ribbon

length = 53"

84.80