Originals: Chiné Basque Outfit

Because we all need to drool over antique garments inspiration.  This lovely ensemble comes from K. Krewer's collection, one of many displayed at the Civilian Symposium earlier this year.

The owner describes it thus:

Chiné Basque Outfit
c. 1858-1860
Basque outfit of beautiful floral chiné silk with wide aqua and white stripes. Basque bodice heavily decorated with silk ribbon-- 2 rows in bretelles, 3 rows at the sleeve cuffs (with beautifully puffed bows), and 3 rows on basque skirts. Front bodice closure with hooks & eyes, lined with white glazed cotton.  Skirt is lined with white glazed cotton, box pleated onto petersham band, finished with self hem and silk tape sewn to inside edge & extending beyond the edge.

Striped chiné silk with large floral design.

Detail of basque front: warp-printed fabric and ribbon trim.

Sleeve, with ribbon trim and bow.

Back of basque.  Note the trim placement
and the "swallow-tail" ends of the bow.

A white collar could be basted or pinned over the neck edge,
which is finished with self-fabric cording.

Once more, that is a lovely bow at the back waist.

This original garment is the property of K. Krewer; the pictures are my own, posted with permission.