History's Runway: The Tomalin Tea Gown, 1895

Tea Gown
1895
The Victoria & Albert Museum

Meant to be worn for an informal tea with close friends or family, this purple silk velvet dress features puffed elbow-length sleeves and a full, long-trained skirt which falls from below the bust.


The elbow bands, V neckline and front of the skirt are trimmed with embroidered bands of lilac and green silk in an Art Nouveau design.