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French Dress of yellow silk taffeta, c. 1800, held by the Kyoto Costume Institute. Description in Revolution in Fashion: European Clothing, 1715- 1815, edited by Amy Handy (New York: Abbeville Press, 1989) reads: "silk taffeta, drawstring waist. Shawl: silk net with embroidered floral motif, and silk fringe. Hat (snood): silk net and pongee with a tassel ... Reticule: pineapple-shaped silk crochet. Shoes: silk with ribbon, low heels" (149). I loved the flared sleeves here that cover the hand down to the knuckles. The sleeves would make simple gestures have more grace and elegance, also making the hands look smaller which was seen as sexually attractive. The elegant embroidered shawl is lovely and would look fabulous over almost any solid color dress or coat. The hat and dress combination suggests this is a walking or promenade dress. The bright color would certainly attract the eye of rival ladies and potential suitors in the fashionable walks of London. |
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