Mourning Bonnet, ca. 1888 #lace and for equestrian costumes

and for equestrian costumes

This exquisite cape embodies the opulence and exquisite craftsmanship of Belle Epoque fashion

often complemented by short jackets known as spencers

The long jacket

or press studs

Mourning Bonnet, ca. 1888 #lace and for equestrian costumesThis rare Victorian mourning bonnet, dating to the late 19th century, is a poignant and beautifully preserved example of historic widows attire, crafted from crinkly crape anglaise fabrica textile specifically reserved for mourning garments, with its distinctive spelling (crape rather than crepe) denoting its solemn purpose. Intended for second mourning, this bonnet is made entirely of black mourning crape, softened by a single decorative flower and a