Dress, wedding-style, of white silk crepe and silk satin. Bodice (a) has high neck with one bow in back of neck and two others at center back and waist. Gathered fabric at neckline. Pigeon front. Puffed sleeves tighten just above elbow and extend to wrist. Skirt (b) of self-fabric. Full-length. Slight train at back.
Worn by donor's mother, Mrs. James Groves (née Jane Nugent), on October 6, 1897 at Holy Angels Church on Oakwood Boulevard in Chicago. Made by bride's sister, Sarah Nugent, who learned to sew in Ireland.
Curatorial Statement
By the late 1890s, the once popular large leg-o-mutton sleeve had deflated to a small puff at the top of the arm, and by 1900 the fashionable sleeve was long and tight from shoulder to hem.
