Excerpts from December 1859, Godey's Lady's Book

The Zouave Jacket.
(see illustration p. 487 http://www.uvm.edu/~hag/godey/images/glb12-59p487.jpg )

Morning-dress for young ladies, of plain merino or cashmere; the skirt trimmed by an inserting of velvet, several shades darker than the dress, with a row of buttons passing through it, and bordered by a rich braid pattern, known as the Greek. The Zouave jacket, which we have before spoken of, forms the waist. It is modelled from the Greek jacket, and has a close vest, with two points; the jacket, itself, rounding over the hips, and fitting easily to the figure. A Gabrielle ruff, and neck-tie finish it. (see Chitchat)



Excerpt from:
Chitchat upon New York and Philadelphia Fashions for December

The Zuoave jackets may be made in black cloth or velvet, for home wear, with skirts whose waists have "outlived their usefulness." They are especially suitable with dark silks, and a waist of this kind with a black silk skirt will do any amount of street service. Black silks are trimmed with a combination of black and crimson, black and purple, etc. when intended for dress occassions.


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Copyright Hope Greenberg . Last updated: 02/21/02.