Here is a lovely red brocade. I didn’t note where I found this gown either—silly me—but I believe it is authentic and from the mid 1700s. Click on the images for a larger view.
Joan, I've been following you here and this is my favorite gown. The embroidery is exquisite! I've done a lot of gown looking in my day but this is a work of art. I am so glad they've been preserved, right down to the sweat stains beneath the armpits, so says Colonial Williamsburg collectors! I doubt we could make our modern clothing so enduring...
Laura, I don't think we have any fabrics more lovely and more beautifully woven today than these. They are works of art, and that they have been preserved for so many years in such exquisite condition is a testament to the talent of the makers.
Carla, I am too! Wouldn't you just love to be able to wear one of these gowns? :-)
Joan, I'm so glad you posted pictures of the gowns of that time period. I am amazed at the quality of the fabrics. Did they hand stitch all the flowers on the fabrics? I can't imagine how long that would take! Also, did they really have the necklines that low? Thank you so much for sharing the photos. They are amazing. I have always been interested in the gowns of that period and earlier.
aaba, I believe the embroidery would all have had to be done by hand, but they did weave brocades and such on looms...by hand, of course. lol! The handwork is just amazing.
The bodices shown on most of these are missing the piece called a stomacher, which would be attached down the front between the side panels. The shift, and undergarment worn beneath the gown, might have a gathered or ruched neckline, and that would show above the neckline of the bodice and cover some skin. Unless a lady was very daring, she would also wear a fichu (a neck piece) around her neck for greater modesty, and that might be lace or a thin, finely woven fabric.
Here is a lovely red brocade. I didn’t note where I found this gown either—silly me—but I believe it is authentic and from the mid 1700s. Click on the images for a larger view.
Joan, I've been following you here and this is my favorite gown. The embroidery is exquisite! I've done a lot of gown looking in my day but this is a work of art. I am so glad they've been preserved, right down to the sweat stains beneath the armpits, so says Colonial Williamsburg collectors! I doubt we could make our modern clothing so enduring...
ReplyDeleteI'm always awed at the beautiful fabrics!
ReplyDeleteLaura, I don't think we have any fabrics more lovely and more beautifully woven today than these. They are works of art, and that they have been preserved for so many years in such exquisite condition is a testament to the talent of the makers.
ReplyDeleteCarla, I am too! Wouldn't you just love to be able to wear one of these gowns? :-)
Joan, I'm so glad you posted pictures of the gowns of that time period. I am amazed at the quality of the fabrics. Did they hand stitch all the flowers on the fabrics? I can't imagine how long that would take! Also, did they really have the necklines that low? Thank you so much for sharing the photos. They are amazing. I have always been interested in the gowns of that period and earlier.
ReplyDeleteaaba, I believe the embroidery would all have had to be done by hand, but they did weave brocades and such on looms...by hand, of course. lol! The handwork is just amazing.
ReplyDeleteThe bodices shown on most of these are missing the piece called a stomacher, which would be attached down the front between the side panels. The shift, and undergarment worn beneath the gown, might have a gathered or ruched neckline, and that would show above the neckline of the bodice and cover some skin. Unless a lady was very daring, she would also wear a fichu (a neck piece) around her neck for greater modesty, and that might be lace or a thin, finely woven fabric.
I want that dress. How beautiful! Thanks, Joan!
ReplyDelete