French Wedding Gown – Autumn 1866

Edwardian Bride in Lace Veil and Empire Wedding Dress

Edwardian bride illustration print showing a bride with a lace veil and Empire waist gown. In this scene, she stands in contrapposto holding an oval mirror, the lower quarter of her dress visible. Meanwhile, the upper part of her gown is mostly hidden by an elegant lace veil.

The remaining three-quarters are covered by an elaborate lace veil, which falls from her head to just below knee level. The veil fits snugly around her head, gathered into a band decorated at the back with black rosettes. From there, it spreads across her shoulders and cascades down her back to her knees.

Lace Detailing, Hobble Skirt and Period Accessories

Illustrated in black and white, the veil features rosette and floral patterns with a scalloped edge.

Additionally, two long and elaborate tassels hang from the front on either side, helping to prevent the veil from slipping backwards as she walks.

Her dress, meanwhile, is narrow with a hobble skirt and an Empire waistline, accented by a belt likely made of ribbon or satin.

Soft gathers are visible above and below the belt. The sleeves are long and snug, and they appear almost transparent, with two bands on the arms and ruffles over the hands. Furthermore, three bands decorate the lower part of the skirt: a lace applique, vertical pleating, and a narrow ruffle.

She wears white strapped court shoes with Cuban heels. Meanwhile, she stands on a blue and purple patterned groundline suggestive of a carpet. The illustration remains mostly black and white, except for the model’s face, the bluish reflection in the hand-held mirror, and the coloured groundline.

Credit: The Claremont Colleges