American Fashions – Autumn 1895

Explore the Dramatic Elegance of 1895 Late Victorian Day Dresses

This stunning 1895 antique fashion illustration from La Mode de Paris perfectly captures the luxurious style of the late Victorian era and the Gilded Age. The print showcases two sophisticated women sporting the iconic, oversized leg-of-mutton sleeves that defined the mid-1890s silhouette. On the left, a vibrant red gown features complex black patterns, layered lace ruffles at the collar, and a wide black waist sash. On the right, a tailored bronze-brown dress is paired with a dramatic high white collar, blue velvet accents, and a matching decorated hat, illustrating the high-end outerwear trends of New York and Paris.

Historical Insight into La Mode de Paris Costume Prints

Published by A. McDowell and Co. in New York and printed in Paris by Editeur Henry Petit, this authentic costume plate (Fig 281) served as an essential style guide for 19th-century dressmakers. The intricate detailing on the bodices, gloves, and headpieces provides an invaluable historical record of late 1800s textile production and social customs. Collectors and fashion historians highly prize this specific publication for its vivid hand-colored lithographs and its accurate representation of transatlantic high-fashion distribution during the late nineteenth century.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges