Black silk dress with crepe overlay and embroidery

A black silk dress with crepe overlay and embroidered applique. The front bust is composed of two panels (right and left) of machine embroidered black floral applique that has been handstitched to a layer of black silk crepe. Each applique panel has a pleated crepe sewn around its edges. There are two layers of closures at the front bust. The outermost layer of floral applique has no closure and overlaps at the center front. The second layer of black synthetic net features four metal hook closures (originally five) and five metal eyes. The innermost layer of black silk taffeta features nine metal hook and eye closures, handsewn down the center front. Each sleeve is composed of one piece of silk black crepe that has black embroidered floral applique near the elbow. A black silk crepe, pin tucked waistband closes on the proper right side of the garment with three metal hooks and three thread loop closures. The waistband extends from the proper left of the bodice and has three black tassels attached to the end of it. A silk faille accordion pleated skirt, made from seven panels of fabric is sewn to the waistband. There are three layers of closures in the skirt; the outer most layer of silk crepe features three metal hooks and three thread loops. The second layer of shantung fabric features four metal snap closures. The innermost layer of silk taffeta closes with six metal hooks and eyes. The bottom of the skirt has four groups of five decorative pin tucks. The skirt hem has been pressed under and machine stitched. The back of the bust features a high neckline edged with ruffled silk crepe. Embroidered black floral applique trims the back neckline. A triangular panel of black embroidered floral applique is stitched to the center back of the bust. The interior bust is constructed of eight panels silk taffeta. Three channels of whale bone are sewn into the center back, proper left, and proper right interior. A black satin fabric pouch is attached to the interior proper left (above the breast) with herringbone stitches. The pouch potentially contains moth-deterring herbs. A black woven ribbon stitched to the interior waist reads [MME. H. D’HAENE] in yellow embroidered test. The interior skirt is made from six panels of silk taffeta with accordion an accordion pleated ruffle and rouching at the bottom.