Woman's Walking Suit
Maker
Lillie Brown Anderson
Period1900
Place MadeNew York City, New York, U.S.A.
MediumWool, velvet, cotton
ClassificationsCostume, Women's
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Frederick E. Anderson, 1937
Object number1033
DescriptionA woman's two-piece day or walking suit consisting of a knee-length fitted jacket and long skirt, both of superfine medium brown wool. The jacket is constructed with a closefitting rounded collarless neckline, long fitted sleeves, and hidden front hook-and-eye closures. Brown velvet panels are inset along the bodice front alternating with woven metallic brown, green, and dull pink floral panels. Brown soutache trim is applied in a meander pattern on the jacket's front, sides, and back. Pairs of brown wool covered buttons complete the jacket's ornamentation on the back. The jacket is worn over a matching simple brown wool skirt, with inverted pleating at front and back for walking, and a simple fitted waistband with a hook and eye rear closure.Curatorial RemarksAlthough this walking suit is not marked, it is quite possible that owner Lillie Brown Anderson had the garment made in New York City, where her husband maintained his law offices. The suit, while appearing relatively simple, is elegantly fitted and constructed. The subtle details, including panels of brown velvet alternating with panels of metallic fabric woven in muted shades of brown, tan, green, and pink, are expertly incorporated into the jacket's overall design. Extensive brown soutache trim flows in freeform coils, from the front of the dress to the back. The construction, details, and sophistication of the suit all point to an expert dressmaking establishment within a large city center.NotesThis walkiing suit was owned and worn by lifelong Freehold resident Lillian Brown Anderson. Lillian was born in 1867. In 1892, she married attorney Frederick E. Anderson. Although Anderson maintained his law office on Broadway in New York City, the couple raised their two children, daughter Lillian and son Edward, in their East Main Street residence. Lillie was active in both New York and Freehold society events. The Andersons also traveled extensively, their trips noted in the local papers. Frederick Anderson died in 1937, her daughter Lillian in 1954. Lillie Brown Anderson died at the age of 99 in 1965.
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