| Brief Description |
This soft aqua blue and silver lame or matelassé wedding gown features a close fitting bodice and a front flared skirt with the back of the skirt bias-cut.
Matelassé is a weaving or stitching technique giving a pattern that appears quilted. The high neckline is accessed by openings on each shoulder seam, five covered buttons and rouleaux loops for closure. The bodice shape is achieved by folds of material. These are sewn down below the shoulder, released over the bust and sewn in again at the waist. The back bodice has five rows of fine pin tucks and dart shaping. A side seam placket is sewn at the left side with three metal domes.
The long, slender, shaped sleeves have a pointed finish over the hand and a buttoned slash opening. Four covered buttons and fabric loops are attached for closing with another five false ones. The stiffened shoulder pads support sleeve caps.
The skirt consists of three widely flaring gores in front and a half circle bias-cut at the back. The back hem is heavier than the front to support a train effect.
This dress was worn by Ula Elizabeth Ramsey for her marriage to William Whitkirk Wyley in 1940. The Wyleys subsequently lived on the Wyley family farm "Riverly" in Fordell. Ula was a Karitane nurse and William was a farmer.
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