Woman in Blackpool, England
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I’m fascinated by this garment. At first glance, I assumed it was a coat. But it’s sleeveless, as if it’s a cape that fits like a coat. The elegant silhouette, enhanced by the ruffles and those long panels of beads, combine to make for a garment I’m sure she’s proud to be photographed in. It looks like there are straps she’s clasping with her hands to keep it all in place, though I may be seeing that incorrectly. I can’t quite tell what’s going on at her rear, whether it’s an extra bit of fanciness on her bustle, or if she’s standing in front of some sort of studio prop, but it’s not too distracting. This little carte de visite is by a photographer with the splendidly alliterative name of Thomas Tufnell Thompson, operating out of Blackpool, England.
Pics of Then 
She’s wearing gloves. Else she has some gnarly hands. I’m also fascinated with the cape. Usually they’re not so form fitting.
Yes, thanks, likely those are gloves.