13 Things 18th Century Women Didn’t Have to Do Because of Their Clothes

A lot of the time, we look back at 18th century clothing and develop a serious case of presentism: we decide that our clothing today is so much more practical and comfortable. However, 18th century women’s clothing was designed for practicality and comfort in their daily lives–and maybe fewer serious body image issues! Here are … Read more

The Riding Habit & the Brunswick

In A Gentleman’s Daughter, Cassandra and Helen wear riding habits for travel. That was inspired by this 1770s riding habit at the Victoria and Albert Museum. ©Victoria and Albert Museum. Used with permission I also liked the idea of having them wear a fashionable Brunswick traveling ensemble, but I thought that might be harder to … Read more

Revolutionary fashion: Robe à la française

The sack-back gown (or sacque) doesn’t sound all that flattering, does it? Fortunately, it’s a lot prettier than it sounds!

The popular “robe à la française” was second only in formality to court dress. The main difference between this style of gowns and the anglaise and polonaise styles is the pleated panel at the back neck that hangs down to form a train. In A Gentleman’s Daughter, the gown that Cassandra lends to Patience and later wears herself features fabric inspired by this hand-painted silk taffeta gown and petticoat set at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.


Definitely click to see the fabric in detail!


Yeah, Lord David can wear that if he wants.
He looks good in whatever he wears… Name that game!

 

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