Pink Silk Dupioni Robe Anglaise.  

Circa 1785; Parisian Influence

Style:

Pink silk gown inspired by one of my favorite paintings- Fragonard's "Happy accidents of the swing"The overgown is made of a striped silk dupioni which has a tone on tone dusty pink effect.  The skirt is a solid version of a similar color.  Both are lined with a cotton which helps to support the weight of the garments.      The gown is worn over a handmade chemise, stays (corset) and "lobster" style bumroll.  The overdress can be worn "polonaised" or down depending on  preference.   

Construction:

All interior stitching of the gown is done by machine but any external stitching including the gathering of all trim was done by hand.  Trim on the sleeves was done with a period correct "pinking iron"  Typically used for punching leather- this tool is the best means by which to obtain a scallop within a scallop.  You can see this detail on the edge of the cuffs in the below photos.  The lace in the cuffs is antique handmade Brussels lace with point de gaze inserts.  As an antique textile collector- this incredibly delicate lace is one of my favorite details of the dress.   

Accessories

I made my own shoes using a modern pair that was striped apart, deconstructed and rebuilt.  During this process i not only recovered the shoe but reshaped it as well.  The Louis style heel was covered wtih the finest lambskin in a pale bone color.  .The trim is hand applied ruching.  

Please note:  Photos below are taken by both Aimee Dodds (Venetian photos) and Phillip Van Nostrand  (NYC)