1878 Polonaise

Truly Victorian's 1878 Polonaise is modeled from the graceful designs of the new "Sheath" dresses that began in the late 1870's. This fashionable pattern is given in two variations, both are suitable for handsome gowns in which one all-over fabric or two compatible fabrics can be used. View A is long in the front. The sides are pleated up toward the back. Smaller pleats near the front create soft folds below the knee. View B has a center front panel which is pulled up into gathers on both sides below the waist. The side is allowed to fall into points before being swept back into pleats. The back view for both gowns is the same. Long seams go from shoulder to hem, allowing for the center back to be made in a second fabric to give a two-toned look, if this is desired. The tail is bunched behind the knee with gathering ties pulling the gown toward the back as is the fashion of these years. The fronts can be made in the same contrasting fabric as the back, or there is an optional bib that can be applied over the front to extend the back contrasting fabric to the front neck area only. This polonaise can be worn over a trained, or floor length skirt. The closure is in the center back and can be closed with buttons, hooks/eyes, or laced.