Special Exhibit

Evolution of the Bridal Gown: 1880-1980

The Museum at Lassen’s Resort rotating exhibit room currently features a 100-year evolution of bridal fashion. All dresses are from the museum archival collection. Access to the exhibit is included with museum admission, or always free for members.

1887 Handmaid 2-piece Bustle gown of silk muslin, button closure at center front, neckline embellished with lace and ribbon, lace cuffed sleeves, front swag sewn into belt, vertical ribbon trim down base skirt, and matching lace cap.

*Belonged to Lizzie Carpenter Fisher, and worn again by her granddaughter, Harriet Fay Fisher in 1947

1906 Silk 3-piece gown with lace overlay. Wide, open neckline with lace trim. S-corsets worn to push out the bust and cinch in the waist. Crown of orange blossoms, thought to be a symbol of fertility, worn over veil. Belonged to Harriet Bartlett, wife to Samuel Bartlett, a prominent real estate developer for Cedar Lake.

*Accessories in case to the left

C.1910-1920 Edwardian Day dress

Empire waist, cotton with lace chemisette neck, S-corset, orange blossom crown worn over the veil

C.1910-1920 Edwardian Day dress

Handmaid cotton with crocheted rosette accents, likely worn with long gloves and a large hat (wall)

C. 1930-1940 Hollywood glamour

Satin lined with lace bodice/sleeves, soft godet skirt panels (possibly rayon chiffon), skirt bottom trimmed with ruffles, matching headpiece and fingerless gloves (grid wall)

C. 1930-1940 Hollywood glamour

Satin lined with lace yoke, drop waist, art deco styling, cap sleeves.

*Worn by Miss Theresa Clark of Cedar Lake (grid wall)

1945-1950 Post-war styles

Blush toned taffeta, princess cut with full skirt, ruched cap sleeve, embellished with beaded floral applique, button down back with bow and train.

1945-1950 Post-war styles

C. 1947, heavy satin, A-line, smooth V-shaped bodice, longer trains made a comeback after war, beaded neckline, veil worn at back of head with elaborate headpiece

1960-1970 The Hippie years

Baby doll dress, empire waist, pillbox hat and longer veil, white tights, bow and daisy motifs to represent the simplicity of the times.

1960-1970 The Hippie years

Narrow A -line silhouette, Silk Shantung sleeveless dress, Empire waistline with bow, removable button back chapel jacket, chapel train with bow accent-unique style

1970-1980 Retro Revival, anything goes

High neck, empire waist, lace/ribbon trim, cuffed flowing sleeves, headpiece with veil.

1970-1980 Retro Revival, anything goes

Kaftan style dress with bell sleeves, high neck, satin with lace overlay. (wall)

1970-1980 Retro Revival, anything goes

Locally made by Sue Landske for Claudia Carlson, yellow lining with lace overlay and capped sleeves. Sue owned a bridal shop in town called Sue’s Bridal House. She was a Sally Wallace Bridal Consultant. And later served as an Indiana State Senator from 1984-2014.

1980 “Glamazon” styles inspired by Princess Diana

1981- soft satin, princess cut, big puffy sleeves, bows, and ruffles, hat with longer veil.

*Worn by Stacey Previs of Cedar Lake

1980 “Glamazon” styles inspired by Princess Diana

Mini, form fitting, glitz and lace, bow at the back, worn with white nylons/heels. (Wall)

Exhibition curated by Katy Wienke, with assistance from Stacey Previs and Scott Bocock.