Collection item
Exotic cobalt two-piece dress
This gown was made for Ruth's great grandmother Naomi Whalley (nee Whitehead). Naomi's father, John Whitehead, lived in Rochester, Kent. His occupation was listed as gentleman. This garment was brought to New Zealand in 1894 when the family came to settle here.
The gown was made by Emily Drew – a dressmaker for Queen Victoria. Emily was born in 1867 and lived to the great age of 106. Her label is attached to the waistband of the skirt.
Details
Credit:
Garment loan courtesy of Ruth Champion
Copyright:
Creative Commons BY-NC-ND 4.0 Licence
Designer:
Emily Drew
Manufacturing location:
75 Coleshill St, Eaton Square, London, England
Garment type:
Gown
Features:
The bustle itself is separate from the gown being tied with tapes around the waist to hang separately under the skirt.
Colour:
Cobalt blue
Exhibition:
Decades of Fashion, Palmerston North, 2014
Label:
Mrs Drew, Eaton Square
Date:
Circa 1890