Wedding ensemble 1887

Editor: Here we have the "Wedding Ensemble" from 1887, currently housed at the Met. It appears to be constructed from textile, maybe wool? The dove grey colour, combined with the intricate detailing gives off such a formal air. What stands out to you about this piece? Curator: The ensemble is fascinating for its materiality. Think about the labor involved: the weaving of the fabric, the intricate embroidery, the tailoring to achieve that very specific silhouette. How does the very production of such an outfit speak to Victorian society and its class structure? Editor: That's a perspective I hadn't considered. So the creation process is just as important as the final aesthetic? It’s beautiful, but I was only looking at the surface. Curator: Precisely. Consider, too, how fashion dictates consumption. These materials, and their creation, fed into an industry driven by changing trends. This "Wedding Ensemble" reflects a huge amount about Victorian economies of production. Editor: So, while it represents an individual’s special day, it also highlights broader industrial processes. But, what about the artistry? Can we divorce its beauty from its industrial context? Curator: I would say no. The artistry *is* the careful manipulation of these materials, a result of specific technological capabilities and readily available work force within the Victorian context. The artistry doesn’t exist in a vacuum. Editor: I see, now. Thinking about the process – the workers who made the dress, where the textiles came from – completely transforms how I view this beautiful garment. Curator: It's about considering all labor embedded in objects. A shift in perspective, isn't it? Editor: Absolutely. I'll definitely pay more attention to the materials and the stories behind them now.