Robe à l’Anglaise 1785–87. French. Silk.
In eighteenth-century dress, the torso was encased by layers of quilted linen and boning that constitute an exaggerated exoskeleton. An inevitable consequence of this redefinition of the torso is an emphasis on the hip and bustline. By mid-century, especially in France, the style was for the bust, veiled by lace or a sheer mull , to emerge above the top line of the bodice. | THE MET
Dress (robe à l’anglaise) c. 1780. England. Cream silk taffeta; two-layered “compères” front with buttons; matching trim; black lace decoration at front bodice and cuffs; wine-colored ribbon lacing at cuffs; matching petticoat; fichu at neck.
A dress of surprisingly modern taste appeared around the time of French Revolution, during the transition period from the gorgeous Rococo style silk dresses to plain cotton dresses after the Revolution. Simple dresses from that period have. This dress made of light plain silk taffeta has a “compères” style double front bodice. The sole decoration to this dress is black lace trim. When wearing this dress, a thin “fichu” was placed in the large opening at the top of the bodice. | KCI
Robe à l'Anglaise Date: 1785–95 Culture: American Medium: cotton, baleen. | THE MET
Woman's Robe à l'anglaise with Petticoat England, circa 1775, Costumes; Chain-stitch silk embroidery on cotton twill, linen lining LACMA
Robe à l'Anglaise 1784–87 Culture: French Medium: cotton, metal, silk ↳ THE MET
Dress (robe à l'anglaise) c. 1785-France Material: Pale blue striped silk; "compères" front; matching petticoat. ↳ KCI
