Elaborately and professionally embroidered taffeta dress, 1798-1802, French. Constructed in one piece as a "round gown" but with center panel in white, imitates traditional "open robe and petticoat." Such an elaborately embellished dress would have been virtually unknown in the US, despite fashionable Americans' ability to keep up with European fashions and access fine fabrics. Reproduction undersleeves; reproduction necklace from Dames a la Mode. Loan to DAR Museum agreeabletyrant.dar.org
