Josephine, October 2009

Josephine was created as a Gothic-Victorian gown for the 2009 Hallowe’en Whitby Gothic Festival.
The stunning turquoise and black damask silk used for the corset was the starting point for the design, which is loosely based on bustle dresses from the 1870s. The outfit consists of a full black taffeta skirt worn under a turquoise overskirt which is pleated and gathered into a voluminous bustle, trimmed with turquoise ribbon and black lace.

The Victorian-style corset is worn on top using the damask silk and black satin for trimming. The ensemble is finished off with a smart bolero jacket with ¾ length sleeves. It is made from turquoise silk and trimmed with black lace to echo the bustle. Given the nature of the weather on the North Sea coast at that time of year, the lining of the jacket was quilted for extra warmth.

The Josephine outfit was finished off with a striking Lillian tiara using jet and turquoise Swarovski crystals, in keeping with the Gothic theme.

The corset and full underskirt can be worn separately for a more modern streamlined look.