This is evening wear from La Belle Assemblee, listed as Parisian Fashions, taken from a Group of Conversation Figures at the Frescati, in Paris.
The gentlemen look smashing, too, but only the lady’s gown is described.
A white Italian crape robe, over a white satin slip, ornamented round the bottom and drapery with a border of shells, painted to nature. Plain scolloped bosom cut very low, and made to sit close to the form. Waved sleeves, easily full, formed of alternate stripes of crape and pink satin. Hair, bound in smooth bands, confined on the forehead, and ornamented behind with wreaths of wild roses. Earrings and necklace of pearls. Shoes, pink satin, trimmed with silver. White kid gloves, rucked.
This is an interesting picture comparing 18th century fashion with the "new" Regency Style. The new is listed as a “July Gown.” Isn’t it charming? It’s very much in the classical style. The two silhouettes of the ladies are so different that the the older generation must have thought the new styles indecent. This appeared in the Ladies Monthly Museum as a Full Dress, yet description seems to have focused on the hair:
Hair fashionably Dressed ornamented with white Flowers and Ostrich Feathers. A Train of clear Muslin over a Dress of Lilac Sarsenet; round the Bottom of the Train a deep White Lace; the sleeves made very full, and looped up with a Diamond Button. White Gloves, and Lilac Ridicule.
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2 comments:
I liked the empire waist gowns of the Victorian era. No bustles for me!
Cool post!
Dear Mary
Empire line gowns are NOT from the "Victorian" era. This 'maternity" style became fashionable in Paris, made popular by Josephine, wife of Napoleon Bonaparte, during a campaign with the slogan "Sons for France", when woman were encouraged to bear children (c.1800)or at least look pregnant. The style spread eventually to England and became a hallmark of the Regency period there. The Victorian era did not begin until 1837. Then came the crinoline & then the bustle.
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