Promenade dress

Unknown

1862–64 · cotton · Costume Institute

In the 1860s, dress swelled in volume, but like the dresses we most associate with Scarlett O'Hara, their grand circumferences were supported by crinolines or hoops, allowing some air to circulate below. In fact, some caricatures rendered the new forms almost like unstable parachutes. As seen in Impressionist paintings, like French dresses were worn outdoors in parks and for summer promenades. Women could hardly sprint, but there was a modicum of buoyancy.

Artist

Unknown

Date

1862–64

Medium

cotton

Culture

American

Department

Costume Institute

Credit line

Gift of Chauncey Stillman, 1960