I think Vogue 1897 should have come with strict instructions: only people with a title such as "Queen," "Baroness," or "Countess" could make the example on the left. And that title had to be recognized by the U.N., not just by your giddy reflection in the cracked bathroom mirror.
Although...how wonderful is it to imagine two women showing up in this dress at the same dinner party?
P.S. For an interesting look at the couture details included with the instructions, check out this post at Pins and Needles!