Black Silk Taffeta Pigeon Breast Bodice with Cording

Fin de Siecle / Gibson Girl · 1900s · African American

This black silk taffeta bodice exemplifies the pigeon breast silhouette popular at the turn of the 20th century, featuring an extremely pronounced, forward-projecting bust created through corseting and padding. The garment displays intricate surface decoration with geometric cording appliqué arranged in vertical and horizontal bands across the sleeves and bodice front. The high neckline rises to a small standing collar, while the fitted sleeves taper to the wrists with decorative cuff treatments. The bodice closes at the back and extends to a pointed waistline, designed to be worn over a corset that would create the characteristic S-curve silhouette of the Gibson Girl era.