Without a doubt one of my favorite dresses from the Met.
Dress (Ball Gown)
c. 1900–1903
The colors!
Stole | First quarter of the 20th century
This stole is unusual not only for its great dimension, but also for the use of fur trimming. The bobbin lace is handmade and its complex design indicates that its construction was carefully plotted to achieve a wrap of this size
Fox Fur Coat | Shannon Reynolds | c. 1968
This evening coat, with its sweeping proportions and generous use of white fox fur, harks back to 1930s glamour. It was created by respected American designer Shannon Rodgers.
I want this right now. I am so cold.
French evening dress with swing motif, c.1850-55 (via).
“This evening dress of about 1850, with its bodice deeply pointed at the waist, pleated sleeves trimmed with fringe and figured ribbons, and full, bell-shaped skirt, exemplifies the opulence of Second Empire France (1852-70). The fabric itself, a Jacquard-woven silk produced in Lyons, reveals the derivative nature of mid-nineteenth-century textile design, which often used elements copied directly from prints of the work of well-known artists. In this case the images were adapted from two engravings by the eighteenth-century artist Jean Antoine Watteau, who was the object of renewed interest in France during the late 1840s. The choice of the swing theme, which was used to symbolize lovemaking during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, was especially appropriate for an evening dress, in which the wearer would want to appear demure yet flirtatious.” - Dilys Blum, from Philadelphia Museum of Art: Handbook of the Collections
THIS. GOWN.
Queen Adelaide of England, c. 1831.
(via historicalfashion)
bulltits asked: Hi there, I'm a drama student in Australia and I need some help. I noticed that you are a fashion student and you like historic fashion. I'm doing a production of the Importance of Being Earnest in the new year and I need some help with costuming. I was wondering if you could give me some guidance please? are you familiar with the Importance of Being Earnest? it is a period piece set in the late 1800's. Any help with costume ideas/designs anything like that would be greatly appreciated. Henry x
My advice is research, research, research! I actually costumed Earnest for a project. It is one of my favorite shows to costume. Lady Bracknell should be severe at all times. Her look should almost be comical so research the extreme styles of the period.
Gown | c. 1760
The sack-back gown was the most popular style of formal dress for women in the mid-18th century. It was loose at the back, with the fabric gathered into pleats at the shoulder. In front, the gown was open, showing off a decorative stomacher and petticoat. This example is decorated with ruchings and ruffles of the same silk, edged with white fly fringe (a type of silk fringe). The arrangement of these decorations in curves and loops shows Rococo influence. The bright yellow colour of the silk was a popular shade in 18th century women’s dress.
Evening Dress | c. 1916-18
I feel like Rosamund from Downton Abbey would be much obliged to wear this ensemble.
