Cream silk wedding dress Britain 1841 The cut, fabric and trimmings of this dress and its high-quality manufacture suggest that it was worn by a bride with access to the latest fashions and a skilful dressmaker. Instead of plain silk, the bride chose a fabric with a delicate floral pattern. Silk, bodice lined with silk, skirt lined with cotton Given by Miss H. Bousfield V&A:T.17-1920 [2011] Cream figured silk satin dress with tight bodice, low V neckline and slim fitting sleeves. Elbow flounce over net and lace elbow puff and tight forearm sleeve. Trimmed with decorative silk buttons and puffs of net. The bodice is lined with grey silk, while the skirt is lined with grey cotton. This wedding dress was worn in 1841 by an unknown but fashionable bride. The period 1838-1841 was a transitional period during which full, puffed sleeves and short-waisted bodices gave way to a slimmer, elongated silhouette, as exemplified by this gown's long-waisted, form-fitting bodice with narrow sleeves. The sleeves and skirt are trimmed with gathered tulle and applied strips of braid and buttons. The cream silk satin fabric is figured with flower-baskets, stripes and floral sprays. This was an extremely sophisticated dress for 1841. The low-cut neckline is an especially modish feature which appears in fashion plates of the decade. Many nineteenth century brides wore matching capes or pelerines over low-cut bodices, or covered exposed necks and upper chests with high-necked chemisettes. Cream figured silk satin wedding dress with silk net and lace trimming