Photo 57 : Dress owned by Kate Potter
(Photo courtesy of Linda Worstrel)
Leslie Bellais of the Wisconsin Historical Society writes:
"The dress.... dates from 1905-1908. It is the height of Art Nouveau
design and would have been very stylish for its time. I would be
surprised if this was a mourning dress, since it has an exuberance
to it. Black and white combinations were fashionable in the 1900s
for evening wear, and I believe that is what it was worn for".
Linda McShannock, a clothing specialist with the Minnesota
Historical Society, writes: "I'd agree with Leslie Bellais' assessment.
The sleeves are definitely 1905-08 (upper sleeves were full at this time);
the way the fabric sits close to the body; the design of the fabric - Art Nouveau
influence. ....lace would have been a popular choice for a fashion garment.
I agree, this is not made for a mourning situation. It could be a dinner or
evening dress, though it could also be a visiting dress for daytime wear.
