Help with victorian cape description
- Thread starter onceoza
- Start date
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Hi,
I see these referred to as capelets in the Victorian catalogs and dressmaking books. The lace looks to be Battenburg lace. I cannot date it accurately from the photos, but the length and style makes me think of circa 1900. It appears to be lightweight, and possibly meant for warmer weather evening wear. Is it lined?
I see these referred to as capelets in the Victorian catalogs and dressmaking books. The lace looks to be Battenburg lace. I cannot date it accurately from the photos, but the length and style makes me think of circa 1900. It appears to be lightweight, and possibly meant for warmer weather evening wear. Is it lined?
Circa Vintage Clothing
Alumni
I agree with Barbara - I would call it a capelet too.
Better Dresses Vintage
Alumni
Jonathan can probably give you an exact date. He's great with the antique stuff. As for photographing black, it's a challenge for those of us without professional equipment. I find that turning off most of the lights (weird, I know), and then setting the camera itself to a lighter setting, sometimes works to bring out the details.
Sarara Brazil
Registered Guest
Victorians called these fashion wraps in the 1880's -Maryanne Dolan has quite a few adds for the period in her text. However; capelet per the terms today. It looks circa 1880's-90's as they were very in at that time! I love these and Victorian mantles. Battenburg lace seems to be correct. Nice piece!
vertugarde
Alumni
I would describe this as a capelet or mantelet with lappets. What is the shape at the back? I think this is c 1900. It could be a mourning capelet.
onceoza
Registered Guest
I'm sorry.... I thought I posted a picture of the back. I guess I didn't Here it is....
Rue_de_la_Paix
VFG Member
Hi,
Thank you for showing the other capelet. I do think that both are from the same time period, and circa 1900, give or take a few years in either direction. I am pretty sure they are both for evening wear, as they are a bit fancy, short, and very lightweight, and may have been used to cover up madame's bosom and decolletage. Women wore deep plunging necklines and almost bare shoulders then in the evening for formal events, and a capelet like this would have provided the necessary street modesty while traveling to and from their destination, while not adding bulk to the toilette. Of course, it also provided a bit of warmth on a chilly evening.
Thank you for showing the other capelet. I do think that both are from the same time period, and circa 1900, give or take a few years in either direction. I am pretty sure they are both for evening wear, as they are a bit fancy, short, and very lightweight, and may have been used to cover up madame's bosom and decolletage. Women wore deep plunging necklines and almost bare shoulders then in the evening for formal events, and a capelet like this would have provided the necessary street modesty while traveling to and from their destination, while not adding bulk to the toilette. Of course, it also provided a bit of warmth on a chilly evening.
All beauties!!! Thank you for sharing!