High round neckline, edged with 1.5cm wide lace. Centre front panel is pintucked with a centre front opening, fastened with ten metal hook and eye fasteners. Five metal press-studs also fasten the overlap of pintucks, but these are possibly a later addition. A 3.5cm wide panel of fine watermark silk defines the waistline, in three 1.5cm pleats. Centre back seam has one .5cm flat pleat or tuck on either side. A 5.5cm panel of fabric is overlaid with a net based, beaded braid, of small black jet beads in a floral design-This braid extends around the neckline, and down each side of the front to below the bustline. This beading is also sewn of the eight cm wide sleeve cuffs. A cream crochet collar-most likely a later addition, is now stitched over the beading around the neckline. Garment is lined with black polished cotton.costume, female, victorian black silk beaded bodice.

The Fashion & Design collection of the Kew Historical Society includes examples of women’s, men’s, children’s and infants’ clothing from the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries. Items in the collection were largely produced for, or purchased by women in Melbourne, and includes examples of outerwear, protective wear, nightwear, underwear and costume accessories.Late Victorian black cotton bodice with narrow sleeves. The creator of the bodice has made extensive use of beading at the front and on the sleeves. The bodice is unusual in that it includes an overlay at the front of black sequined tulle over a cream silk insert. The bodice has a black velvet waistband. The edging of the bodice includes pin tucking. Two long 'swallow tails' of lace (sic) hang from the neck of the bodice at the front. The bodice was owned by one of the donor's maternal ancestors.australian fashion, women's clothing, bodices, lace, victorian fashion, micky ashton