I Take Out the Filth

Chapter 164 - The Butler, Guiding

ab. 1897 Tea Gown by Charles Frederick Worth, belonged to Countess Greffulhe

cut-away velvet on satin, Valenciennes lace

And my brain immediately put two and two together:

I see what you’re doing in your off-time Ronald (¬‿¬)

BLACK SILK MOURNING ENSEMBLE, 1860

1-pc black silk faille dress with band collar, hook & eye at center front, boned bodice with bust padding, long sleeve with pagoda over sleeve to elbow, trained skirt with left side front closure & pocket at right hip, lined with tan cotton, tapes inside skirt to create bustle & separate matching peplum.

Boots, the 1890s From the exhibit Fashion Victims: The Pleasures and Perils of Dress in the 19th Century

https://youtu.be/iA8yVDohZ-4

The Victorians did not invent beetlewing art. This species of beetle is indigenous to South and South East Asia where beetle wing art actually originated. Thailand, India, Myanmar, China, and Japan all practiced beetlewing art before the Victorians. Most notably, they have been used for centuries in clothing and art in the Thai royal court. Queen Sirikit has promoted beetlewing art in an effort to revive Thailand’s art and cultural history. Queen Sirikit has also forbidden the harvesting of the wing casings prior to the beetle’s death to protect them.

Unfortunately, it is hard to find old Thai art online but here are a couple of examples.

(Date and artist unknown. Thailand.)

• Gown, bodice and skirt.

Date: 1890-1899