#2167 $1,550
White linen bustle coat, 1880s
This immaculate snowy linen coat is one of those rare Victorian garments that is sturdy and wearable. The top pictures show it photographed in the traditional manner over a bustle pad; those on the bottom were taken on a contemporary mannequin without a bustle pad. This amazing coat shows that good design is always in style.
The unlined coat is fashioned from crisp white linen. Pair it with a linen skirt of the period and you will have a promenade outfit that will be the pride of your collection. Or wear the coat with pants and costume jewelry and you will stand out in any crowd.
The bodice is cut with figure flattering princess line seams. I love the bias-bound scalloped edges on the skirt. The side seam ruching can be adjusted up or down with inside drawstring ties. The coat has a stand up collar and closes in front with the original brass ball buttons.
All these design embellishments, together with the figure flattering silhouette, add up to a design triumph. They tell us the owner belongs to the aristocracy of style, a special cadre of fashion initiates whose smart attire always attracts admiring glances.
The condition is excellent.
It measures: 36" bust, 27" waist, 15" from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, 21" sleeve length, 44" hip, 15" collar circumference at the neckline, and 39" from the shoulder to the front hem.
