finlaure13 reblogged
This ensemble represents a popular style of informal dress for women in the 1760s. Known by the French name ‘pet-en-l’air’, it comprises a short sack worn over a petticoat. The silk is very unusual, bearing three different methods of decoration: weaving, embroidery and paint.
When Beatrix Potter was writing one of her books for children, The Tailor of Gloucester, in 1903, she visited the Museum for inspiration on 18th-century dress. This is one of the garments she was shown. In The Tailor of Gloucester there appears a little mouse wearing this splendid ensemble with a mob cap.
My fun fact of the day: The 'pet-en-l'air' gown is so named because of the way the jacket flares out in the back. As if being lifted by a little wind.
Because 'pet-en-l'air' means fart.
Whee!
Source: collections.vam.ac.uk