Size XS/S: Amy's Transformation Gown (1865-1869)

Be your own Amy March in this high-quality, historically accurate mid-Victorian transformation gown. Whether you are an attendee at an event, a historical reenactor, an actress in theatre, or an avid admirer of Louisa May Alcott's works, this gown will make you feel like Amy on her European travels.

This transformation gown consists of five (5) pieces: a skirt, a bustle overskirt, a ball bodice, a day bodice, and a chemisette.  It is based on extant transformation gowns from the 1860s.

As a modeling sample, this set was worn once for photography.  It is the only transformation gown in this size, fabric, and design and is available at a reduced price.  It can ship to you in 3-5 business days. Shipping within the U.S. is FREE for all orders over $50.

This ensemble can also be commissioned in the size and fabric of your choice. Commission pricing starts at $2,399. If you would like to commission it in the size and color of your choice, message me today!

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ALL THE DETAILS

This transformation gown is a women's size 2-4 (extra small/small) and is ideal for heights of about 5'2" to 5'4".  It includes five (5) pieces: a skirt, a bustle overskirt, a ball bodice, a day bodice, and a chemisette, as well as detachable sleeve cuffs.  It is made of a light blue 100% silk dupioni, with the chemisette and cuffs made of 100% white cotton voile.

This day bodice is made in the Amy's Visiting Dress design and includes:

• a square neck with a bias ruffle
• a fully lined and boned "V" shaped bodice
• dropped shoulders
• darts in the front and princess seams in the back for a close-fitting bodice
• front faux pearl button closure
• fitted "coat" sleeves with bias wrist ruffles and faux pearl trim

The chemisette includes:

• cotton lace at the neckline and front closure
• delicate tucks at the front closure
• a cotton twill tape drawstring in the underbust band
• a front closure where the drawstring(s) ties shut
• a hook and eye at the neck for the front closure

The ball bodice is made in the Amy's Ball Gown design and includes:

• fully interlined and boned bodice
• off the shoulder neckline
• black silk ribbon through the lace at the neck of the dress
• a removable collar (berthe) that is decorated with synthetic bobbinet, cotton lace, and removable flowers
• a "v" at front center waist
• a back closure with silk ribbon lacing up through hand sewn eyelets
• short, puffed sleeves of bobbinet under oversleeves of the fashion fabric

The skirt includes:

• center back skirt closure
• a skirt width between 150" and 180" to generously accommodate a hoop skirt
• a gored skirt with pleats on the side/back to fit an elliptical hoop
• a hem faced with a coordinating cotton fabric
• a small train

The bustle overskirt includes:

• a half skirt attached to a full waistband
• a bias ruffle with faux pearl trim
  
• a set of fully adjustable ties inside the skirt to create the bustle effect
• a hook and bar closure
• three (3) handmade "rosettes" of silk and lace for the front center and back of the waistband (these rosettes are mounted on bar pins and can be moved to wherever you prefer)

The dress measurements are as follows: 

• bust: up to 35" 
• waist: up to 26"
• back neck to waist (for bodice lengths): 16.5"
• waist to hem (for skirt length): 39" + 8" train on back
• underarm long sleeve length (on day bodice): 19.5"

If you would like additional measurements, please contact us and we will be happy to provide them!  There is some adjustability in the bust and waist due to the lacing on the ball bodice and buttons on the day bodice.

To achieve the correct historical silhouette, the dress is pictured over a corset, elliptical crinoline, and petticoats, but no corset, crinoline, or petticoats are included with this listing.

**PLEASE NOTE: All samples are boned with heavy duty zip ties, rather than synthetic whalebone, to help keep costs low.  I find these are just as quality as synthetic whalebone and bone all of my personal historical garments with heavy duty zip ties, but I wanted to disclose this information before you purchase the garment.
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HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF

Please measure yourself while wearing the corset and other undergarments you plan to wear with the gown.  Remember that measurements such as your bust and waist should be 1-1.5" inches smaller than the dress measurements, to allow for ease of movement.

Refer to the measurement graphic in the listing and this video tutorial if you need assistance in understanding and taking your measurements. If you still have additional questions, please feel free to email me.

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CARE INSTRUCTIONS

A care card will be included with your order, but this silk fabric is dry clean only.

All fabrics are preshrunk, usually by prewashing.  Seller is not responsible for any allergic reactions to the detergent used in prewashing.