Spanish Fashions – Autumn 1881

1880s Seaside Promenade Attire from La Moda de la Elegancia Parisiense

This authentic 1881 hand-colored fashion plate originates from the September issue (Tomo XIII, No. 34) of La Moda de la Elegancia Parisiense, distributed via Correo de Ultramar. The antique engraving illustrates two aristocratic women showcasing upscale resort wear during a coastal stroll. Perfectly capturing the distinct tailored silhouettes and closely fitted cuirass bodices of the early 1880s, this rare Spanish-market print provides an invaluable historical record of late Victorian beach promenade etiquette and high-end seasonal dressmaking.

Late Victorian Summer Resort Gowns, Fine Lace, and Pleated Silk

The seaside composition depicts detailed summer ensembles, featuring a striking mauve day dress with a contrasting amber-pleated underskirt, long gloves, and an ornate plumed hat. Standing alongside, the second figure models an elegant ivory walking gown heavily adorned with delicate tiered lace, a high ruffled collar, and a dramatic bustled back drapery. Complementing their coastal leisure attire with a folding fan and a floral bonnet, the figures are set against a background of sandy dunes and distant beachgoers, offering rich visual data for historic textile researchers.