Chemise a la Golden Pimpernel
Costume inspired by Marguerite Blankley in the Scarlet Pimpernel(book)
“Always dressed in the very the latest vagary of fashion, Marguerite alone among the ladies that night had discarded the crossover fichu and broad-lapelled over-dress…She wore the short waisted Classical-shaped gown, which so soon was to become the approved mode in every country in Europe. It’s suited her graceful, regal figure to perfection, composed as it was of shimmering stuff which seemed a mass of rich gold embroidery.”
Finally done with this costume. I wanted to take pictures of it outside today but it is cold and raining which is a no for this lightweight silk gown.
3 months of Embroidery: Learning, building a embroidery frame, and then working on the dress
2 months to whip up new set of undergarments: Chemise, Stays, Petticoat and two false rumps(1st was to large so had to make a smaller one)
1 month sewing the dress: fitting, mock up, alterations and final gown
1 hour making jewelry set
Time well spent because I’m simply in love with this gown.
Oh my.... *jaw drops*
@sweetteakisses I saw this cross my dashboard and my eyes went bigger than saucers just drinking this in. This is fantastic. Absolutely the level of historical costuming I aspire to! I salute you, ma’am. You look absolutely stunning in 18th century dress!
And not only have you made some really gorgeous stays and 18th century underwear (I am so jealous of your lovely grommets! I’ve always been too scared to figure out how to use the hole punch for those) , but you’ve made a gold HAND-EMBROIDERED chemise a la reine?!
That repeating pattern! The elegance of the floral design! The way you’ve used it on the delicate neckline ruffle as well as the hem!! ‘’shimmering stuff which seemed a mass of rich gold embroidery.” - I’d say that’s a perfect representation of Marguerite’s court gown!
And... don’t even get me STARTED on how beautifully and elegantly you’ve accessorised it with the sash and the matching golden hair ribbons, with your amazing jewellery-making skills too! I honestly thought your gorgeous collet necklace was one of those lovely (but expensive) reproductions Dames A La Mode or Sign Of the Gray Horse sell on Etsy, until I looked closer - and then my mind was blown!
This is GORGEOUS. And I REALLY admire how talented you are. (Hope I got that across)