Belle Époque Velvet Gown 1900s Midnight Blue with Metal Soutache

Amazing, Belle Époque velvet gown from 1902! This is a 2-piece dress of midnight blue velvet decorated with cluny lace and metal soutache. The bodice has a ballet neckline; elbow-length velvet sleeves with cluny lace and, attached lower sleeves of silk chiffon flounce, crystal pleated, and finished with velvet binding. A black, silk tulle bow at each elbow; black silk tulle swag across the back. Bodice has hook and eye closures at the back; a creme silk lining with a undertrimming and boning, both common details to this style. The label on the petersham ribbon reads: Abraham & Straus, Brooklyn, New York ~ Paris and was custom tailored for Mrs. H. F. Noyes, 11/14/02. The skirt fits smoothly over the hips; cut longer and fuller in the back forming a graceful train. Detailed with a metal soutache "vine" that encircles the skirt and climbs vertically up the right leg ; pleated, scalloped silk ruffle peaks out along the bottom hem. The skirt is pleated near the bottom to control the ful