(NOTE: the "make offer" price is $369. We do this because it is already discounted way below material's cost, and this site lowers pricing without our knowledge, so that keeps them from doing that.)
"Titanic" was a mood, not a fashion style. It was created by the Parisian fashion houses like Poiret and Callot Soeurs in response to their elite and rich clientele who were jet setting around the world, hanging out in cabarets, and trying to lift up the spirits in a world that was heading to the first world war.
People like Margaret Tobin ("Unsinkable Molly Brown") and others of the early 1910's wore these fun and unique garments along with a big floppy hat (available separately - limited) to tell the world everything was "ok" in an uncertain world. This ensemble is also appropriate to earlier Edwardian depictions.
These garments are painstakingly made by hand with attention to detail and strength for durability, out of all natural fabrics: 100% silk,100% quality vintage cotton, glass buttons, with cotton and silk thread. They are oh so breathable, very very comfortable, and easy to put on by yourself. Good for the Late Edwardian era, the 1910's, 1912, or perfect for any Edwardian depiction or even a modern event or just for fun. It is a hand draped and original design by Silhouette's anthropological designer, based on historical extant garments,fashion plates of the time, and photographs from 1912.
Take note of the special, rich details and saturated colors which were dominant with the "Titanics" designers like Poiret who set the standards. Note the really special features such as absolute reproduction of the Poiret "Cocoon Coat" with REAL opossum collar! and gorgeous glass buttons from Czechoslovakia.
(Note: sketches shown are authentic fashion plates from 1912. The blue garment is by Paquin in 1912 and is not part of this sale)(Also note some photos show a black t-shirt. This is not included in the sale nor the ensemble, but is being used to show the detail of lace, bodice, and sleeves).
All items were made new and only worn to try on and for 15 minutes in one historic fashion show by the model shown in the pictures.
Wear this with a long underbust corset and breast supporter,and silk panties, camisole, and slip for historical accuracy.
Designed to fit the model shown who measures IN the long underbust CORSET of 1910: 36" bust, 33" waist, 36" hip 3"down from waist and 38" 5" down, 14 1/2" backbone to waist,13" back width from shoulder seam to shoulder seam, waist to floor41" - it is very flexible and has some stretch on the biases. It will fit a taller woman or smaller woman just fine. Take your measurement IN undergarments, this is designed to have a smooth and tight fit as shown. This equals about a modern size 12 Misses, or a very typical and average size and shape for today's women, as this ensemble will fit 4 of our models well (although only the one above ever put it on).
INCLUDED IN THE PRICE (note this listing used to include hat, undergarments and jewelry, but does not now as those are listed separately while quantity lasts)
"Cocoon"Kimono Coat: Based on 1912 Parisian Designer Poiret's real garment, this is the most accurate replication of an historical garment we have ever done. Made of 100% imported Japanese silk satin, it drapes beautifully and flows with you as it moves. It fits loose over the shoulders with armholes like a "caftan", while the hem narrows at the feet to give the "cocoon" shape that Poiret invented based on Turkish and Persian influences. The lovely floral pattern in the coat coordinate with the simple blues of the dress and tunic. It can be worn with the sash to pull and drape into "poufs" at the side or back, or straight down like a Japanese kimono.
There are two real bone buttons on the front with a silk tie so it can be worn open or closed. You can turn the collar to be a collar or wear it flat; lots of versatility!
The most important feature, however, is a US harvested REAL100% fur opossum (not possum; opossum) fur collar. This was actually a collar we repurposed from a 1940's coat, and it was already lined in a polyester fabric. The fur is soo very soft and is a blend of gray/blue and brown which accents the silk fabric beautifully. It is in perfect, mint condition. The whole garment is carefully hand sewn for dramatic draping effect and durability.
Underdress: Titanic and most late Edwardian dresses were made with a simple and plain underdress that would show off the delicate or lacey or sheer fabrics that went on top in the form of tunics and drapes. This one is of 100% blue satin silk of the highest quality, and is intentionally asymmetrical like the Poiret designs to appear somewhat "tulip" shaped in its overlapping. It has a slight "train" in the back, and depending on your height it will either drag a bit or flow down the back of your legs to show off your calves. The dress opens when you walk, so that while it has a tight("Egyptian" influence) fit, it is actually quite comfortable and easy to move in, (the "Turkish pant" influence of the time).
The bodice and skirt are connected and highly reinforced for strength and to carry the weight of the skirt without drooping. The bodice is boned and fully lined and can stand up on its own, but is designed to fit over the underbust corset of the day, so might gap a bit along the bust line in modern underwear (not recommended to wear modern because you'll get lumps and lines). It has hook and eye closure in the back, with a "loop over" to close the gap created by this unique design of bodice to skirt connection.
Overdress/Tunic: Is made of vintage 100% cotton lace (very hard to find!), possibly from the 1940's. It is a lovely sky blue and breathes well and is very comfortable and washable. Like the underdress, it is specifially designed to drape like Poiret's designs and is asymmetrical. It is extremely well enforced using 100% silk tape at the waistband so there is no drooping even at the crossovers of the draping. Like the underdress, it has hook and eye closures in the back.
Sash: 100% silk charmeuse with real glass Vintage buttons. Beautiful bright color, this makes the style with the high contrast of highly saturated color - and - it serves a more important function for Titanics. Titanic underdresses were always made so the waist of the bodice was at the natural waist, yet the style was supposed to be a high underbust"Princess" line. The sash wrapped from underbust to natural waist to create the illusion. Because it sits on the natural waist, unlike the 1800's Regency underbust styles, it doesn't fall down, and so requires no hooks to hold it up under the breasts, although some did baste it on in center front (this one does not have hooks or basting).
INCLUDED AND HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Skype or FaceTime fitting at your convenience within 7 days of receipt of package. Let us help you with closures, adjustments, and especially getting into your undergarments and corsets (when applicable).
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For your interest: more on the Titanics:
The Titanic ship sunk in the spring of 1912, and in retrospect the time period was named after it. The Titanic era was part of the "Lost Golden Age" in Europe and around the world extending to the US. It was a MOOD that expressed the epitomy of beauty in contrast to horrors of war - for those who could afford it. The "Titanics" came out of a specific market geared to royalty and political or financial leaders.
Those who had money wanted to forget the "bad stuff", and were drawn to light entertainment like casinos and cabarets. The ARTS flourished, with Masters of Impressionism rising to stardom. Developments in cinematography brought movie starlets and their behavior into the public eye.
"Titanic Fashion" was a "feeling" and not a"style. It originated in the fashion houses of Paris who were trying to create luxurious grace and femininity as an expression of women's new and daring place as thinking individuals.
"Titanics" were custom ensembles with amazing detail and superb construction. This ensemble was made with attention to the smallest detail, and was built in 2019 use the same methods and materials as would have been available at the time by an anthropological seamstress. It has been worn only briefly during 2 historic educational presentations by a fastidious professional model, and is in perfect shape.
Take note of the special, rich details and saturated colors which were dominant with the "Titanics" designers like Poiret who set the standards. Note the really special features on the ensemble itself (listed separately) such as absolute reproduction of the Poiret "Cocoon Coat"with REAL opossum collar! and gorgeous glass buttons from Czechoslovakia.(Research and design development with sketches is under "1912Titanic" on the Silhouettescostumes website.)
Our ensemble including the hat are original and custom designs based onreal historical garments, and implemented by our anthropological seamstress. See this and many other ensembles on the SilhouettesCostumes website.
NOTE: At this time a "pouty mouth" was all the rage, so get out your heavy, dark, and saturated colored lipsticks and practice your "P's" when you wear this!
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Guarantees: Silhouette's warranties and guaranties are included in the package, along with care and use instructions as well as tipson "how to dress" and specific notes regarding the care or wearing of these garments.
Returns:are possible according to our terms: Return shipment made within 7 days of receipt, all items must be in same condition and unworn, customer pays return shipping and must insure for full purchase price.
Please contact Suzi if you have questions before purchasing.