This was my first proper l’anglaise and a bit of experiment ( which project isn’t?). It was originally intended as a show piece for the bridal branch of the business, Prior Engagement, and serve as an example of an 18th century frock for a historically minded bride….
The styling was loosely based on one of the gowns from the Kyoto Costume Institute , particularly this one. the petticoat and the robe were made form the same fabric and since i had quite a lot of dusty rose silk, the idea of making everything in it suited me to a T.
The stays were first – half boned, with coutil/canvas strength layer, boned with reeds, bound in silk.
getting started….
all pieces ready….
all pieces whipped together, ready for binding
tedious binding process…..
done!
was so excited i popped them straight over my top… love the silhouette! worn on a random shift below…
The petticoat was next in line… – an easy rectangular shape, and nice and easy pleating did the job
front pleated
insides – the extra fabric is folded down and pleated, i secured the edges with piking later.
Then only a waistband and it was ready!
waistband pinned in
just needs pressing….
Then it was time for the robe itself…. Mock up first. I used a pattern based on the Janet Arnold polonaise ( used for my very very first polonaise years ago!)
My very first 18th century gown, all handstitched.
experimenting with the mock up
lining is made first and seams boned
for boning I used think but strong reed
then silk was mounted over the lining
Piece by piece, handstitched. Sleeves were next…
lining the sleeve
setting in the top part of the sleeve
and the shoulder strap is covered with silk, hiding the sleeve attachment
the neck and sleeves were decorated with Valencia lace and silk ribbon.
Once the bodice part of the gown was done, it was time to start pleating the skirts….
pleats pinned
and sewn in:-)
and it was ready!
It was first worn for the wedding photoshoot at Harrowden Hall – alas on a model that was 3 sizes too small 😦
at the Bridal shoot photo by Mockford Photography
Also, I wasn’t convinced about the petticoat in the same colour – looked a bit boring. However, it looked much better with ivory taffeta petticoat ( part of another outfit….). a bright shawl, worn on beter support, with a wig and a hat, it looked much better! -Here worn at a Georgian picnic at Grassenholm Farm, photography by Pitcheresque Imagery
and with another hat….
As you can see this bridal project turned out to be a re-enactment item in the end – and love it too much to sell on…. a couple of things i would change, and probably will as still have bits and pieces of that silk – the sleeves are just a tad too tight, so will need to amend that inconvenience!
Altogether I must say that I love the simple style much better than the ornate grandeur of the robe a la francaise – simple lines, minimum decoration somehow work well for me:-)
A Damsel in This Dress 