paintings   reproduction gowns   undergarments & accessories

Rococo

Early Rococo fashion at the beginning of the 18th century was dominated by hoop skirts, the dome shaped Panier. It was worn with the Contouche, a loose front closing robe with large back pleats and a matching skirts the so called jupe. These gowns were often portrayed by Antoine Watteau so that the pleats became known as Watteau pleats. The sleeves had large cuffs. This dress style was followed by the Robe a la Francaise, the most popular garment of the Rococo era from c. 1740. The prefered colors were pastels, later also rich blue and red tones. Hair was worn in curls and with a variety of white cotton caps. Fashions in hair and clothing became more exuberant in the second half of the century. The bodice of the Robe a la Francaisenow had a close fitting front with waist seam. A richly decorated steel boned stomacher filled the middle part. The back pleats remained in fashion. Skirts were trimmed with ribbon, flowers, embroidery, pearls and ruching. Sleeves were decorated with multi-layered Engageantes. he most popular fabrics were silks, taffeta and brocade, plain or with floral patterns. The late 18th century also had smaller patterns with stripes and garlands. Silks from Spitalfields in England were very fashionable in France. The 1770s introduced a new gown style: the robe a la Polonaise. It had a looped up overskirt and was worn with small side hoops (Considérations)  - and later with small hip pads. At 1780 skirts became smaller and hair styles much bigger. The hoop skirt disappeared and the Robe a l´Anglaise found its way into the wardrobes of nobility and commoners. The bodice was tight, closed above the bosom with two meeting edges and opened towards the waistline (“zone gown”) or fastened edge to edge. Skirts were supported by bumpads. Stripes in every variety were all the rage. Hair fashion reached a grotesque climax in high coiffures with built-in ships etc. The fashions of the revolution also used cotton fabrics. Undergarments in the rococo period were: a cotton Chemise or shift as the first layer, stays and skirt supports. Stockings were made of silk and could be white or colored. Popular accessories were fans, flowers, heads and hoods ( depending on the current fashions small or exuberant, made of straw or silk), tall walking canes ( fashion of the French revolution) and luxurious jewelry.

paintings of the period

reproduction gowns

1740s caraco jacket of peacock blue silk taffeta with winged cuffs. Front is laced over covered buttons, worn with stomacher, cotton-lined.

Robe á l´Anglaise or zone gown of brown silk taffeta with false gilet and skirt of green silk taffeta. Has a handstitched “en fourreau” back and linen lining.

Robe á l´Anglaise of cream silk taffeta with gold satin stripes and peacock silk taffeta skirt. Sleeve ruching has been pinked by hand, half hand/machine sewn.

A jacket from 1790

This is a garment from the French Revolution. Made of striped silk taffeta with silver colored buttons and a pinked fold-back collar. Completely handsewn using 18th century techniques, linen lined.

Robe á l´Anglaise or zone gown of changeable silk taffeta with matching skirt. Has self-fabric trimming and a handstitched “en fourreau” back.

1790 Pierrot jacket with matching skirt made after an original garment in the collection of the KCI. Made of black and white striped cotton fabric. Fastens edge to edge with pins. Handsewn.

Detail view

Redingote 1789

Dress of navy wool, inspired by the male fashions & riding coats. Worn over stays, shirt, bumroll and cream wool petticoat. Made from a fashion plate of revolutionary fashions. Handsewn using original 18th century techniques.

Robe á la Française - Sacque Back Gown
The most popular gown of the early 18th century. Open fronted to be worn with a petticoat. Petticoat and stomacher were usually made of the same material and matched in color. The back has the typical Watteau-pleats and a small train. The stomacher has loops to pin it to the bodice lining (ladies used to have been sewn into their gowns which is not so practical anymore today). The skirt front can be decorated to your taste. The sleeves can be trimmed either flounces each or cuffs. The skirt features two pocket slits to wear hanging pockets beneath. Bodice lining has hidden tapes inside to regulate width.
Worn with shift, stays and panier.

Robe á la Polonaise of chintzed cotton with Indienne print. The tight fitting bodice fastens edge to edge by pins. The skirt is looped up by hidden ribbons on the inside.

Robe a l´Anglaise of striped silk. Bodice fastens edge to edge with pins. Worn over shift, stays, bumroll and petticoats.                                                                                                                                                                    

undergarments & accessories

Muff of creme silk satin lined with blue cotton. Decorated with five printed miniatures, inspired by an 18th c. original.

18th Century Stays
Steel boned corset to give your body the correct v-shape for rococo costumes. Back lacing with handsewn or steel eyelets, with shoulder straps or strapless. Can be covered in any decorative fabric.

Shift

A plain undergarment of the 18th century, the first layer to put on when getting dressed. Protects your stays & gowns from sweat and dirt. For creating this garment I use the pattern of an original piece from 1760. Total length is about 1,20m. Sleeves have elbow length. The neckline has a drawstring and is adorned with sumptuous lace. One size.

also available with antique lace trim (also 18th c. originals!), please ask for pricing!

 Pocket Hoops

Small hoopskirt consisting of two "buckets" on a drawstring to wear at the hips.
Has openings for hanging pockets. One size.

Hoopskirt ("panier")
This undergarment has six hoops and is made of cotton. Measures ca. 63" at the widest point. Has the typical kidney shape (as seen in Jean Hunnissett´s “Period Costumes...”). Drawstring waist. One size.

upwards