Kellee's Civil War Shawl-Drape gown

This customer's gown of  scarlet and black is richly ornamented with ruffling and beaded trim.  The red satin underskirt, ruffled in black satin, is draped with double swags of black spotted tulle.  The bodice and overskirt are made of a metallic brocade in a pattern of red roses and ribbons on black.  The overskirt is designed to drape shawl-fashion over the right side of the underskirt, with two large chevrons arranged like a tie at the left waist, where they cover the skirt closure.   The overskirt and chevrons are deeply ruffled in black organza and trimmed with a single row of dangling jet beading and black braid.   A small matching handbag is shown at left.  The bodice is trimmed in double rows of both ruffling and beading, with matching mini-chevrons as accents at the shoulder and center neckline.   The gown is based on an actual Victorian era fashion-plate.  As shown, its cost is approximately $4500.