Lavender Robe a la Francaise- The Making Of

My original inspiration came from the following three renderings for robes de cour (court gowns) by Charles-Germian de Saint-Aubin from 1785.

Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris Tous droits réservés

Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris Tous droits réservés

Les Arts Décoratifs, Paris Tous droits réservés

I then proceeded to drape the robe.

Draping the back pleats.

Draping the skirt.

Lavender Robe a la Francaise

I made this lavender robe a la francaise in early 2014 to be worn to the Third Annual Francaise Dinner put on by my unofficial costuming group, The Fabulosity Club. I was also hoping to wear it at the masquerade ball at the American Society for Eighteenth Century Studies conference, but sadly was unable to attend. BUT I had the most wonderful time at the Francaise dinner and am very happy with my new robe a la francaise. There are still a couple of things I want to fix and futz with, but overall it's one of my favorite costumes to date. I also wore it with my brand new wig, which sported blue ocean waves (made of feathers) and a model ship, the HMS Surprise. It was my first time styling a hairpiece of any kind (I have enough hair to do most styles just on its own!) and now that I'm more familiar with the process I'm going for an even bigger ship the next time around.

Sea Foam Francaise

My first robe a la francaise, constructed in January 2012. I still have to take some nice pictures of this in good light.

 

Photo by Jenny La Fleur.

The Tiffany's Regency

Another dress that borrowed inspiration from the colors of Tiffany's! This time it's an 1800s dress which I made in January 2012.

My inspiration. Image from Cora Ginsburg.

 

This AMAZING photo is courtesy of Jenny La Fleur!

Sea Foam 1920s Evening Dress

This dress was made in the summer of 2012 and is so much fun to dance in! Sadly I only have a couple good photos.

My inspiration.

White 1920s Day Dress

I threw this dress together in approximately four hours so I would have something to wear for the annual Jazz Age Lawn Party that happens every summer in New York. It's very simple but I love it! I accidentally cut the hem too short, so some day I may go back and add something to the skirt to make it a bit longer and more period appropriate.

Turquoise Regency

This dress was made in the summer of 2011 and was worn for a truly amazing Regency ball in Bath in England. To read all about my magical fairy tale night, click here!

Peach Regency

This 1810s dress was originally made in 2010. I still consider it unfinished as the fit is a little off and I'd like to make some new sleeves. But here are a few photos of this dress in action.

Ignore my terrible hair!

The Tiffany's Anglaise

I first made this early 1790s robe a l'anglaise in 2010. I call it the Tiffany's Anglaise because the colors remind me of Tiffany's. Here are some photos from the various outings this dress has taken!