Trousseau dress, 1891. Silk faille, voile, silk thread embroidered net, frayed silk grosgrain ribbon. Mr. G.B. Hupp, Cincinnati. Gift of Mrs. A. C. Woods. 1968.241a
Dress of pink silk faille. Bodice, cap sleeves, and proper left front panel of skirt covered with net embroidered with silk thread. Frayed silk grosgrain ribbon trim wraps diagonally across bust from right to left and diagonally from left hip to hem at right ankle. Full gathered back skirt.
Gown from trousseau of Mrs. Andrew Chevalier (née Leila Abi Leonard) Woods.
Curatorial Statement
Although modern weddings rarely include a trousseau, for centuries the bride's practice of bringing clothing and household items to her new home was essential. Marriage was often the first time a young woman would have lived outside of her parents' home, and her trousseau prepared her for her new role as wife. Today, the bridal shower stands in place of the trousseau.