November 1, 2015

The Finished Indian Cotton Robe a L'Anglaise




















As I type, I still have my hair set in this silly 18th century hedgehog style! Yes this is all my own hair! The last time I photographed an 18th century costume (my purple pet en l'air) I wore my huge hedgehog style wig (which is massive!) but this time I decided to try and create a similar style with my own hair. I slept in rag curlers and pinned everything up and fluffed the curls out! Hopefully it came out convincingly 1780's! I'll try and do a video tutorial of the style eventually, as it was easier than I thought it would be to achieve!

I am so so happy with how this Indian cotton robe a l'anglaise came out. This fabric has had a storied history on this little blog of mine. I bought it to make a late Victorian bustle gown, but could never settle on a design I really liked. Instead I decided the fabric was more suited to a late 18th century design. I like that the fabric is actually from India, just like many cottons would have been in the 18th century! I added tapes to the inside to wear the back retroussée like a polonaise. This is the first time I have properly pleated the back of an anglaise, as I usually just use a quartered back pattern, and I love the results (even if it isn't perfect). I ended up adding a simple box pleated self fabric trim at the sleeve cuff and neckline for the finishing touch. I wore the gown with my sheer black striped petticoat and an ivory voile kerchief. I tried my best to keep my tall black ostrich feathers in line but they wanted to blow all over the place! The slightest breeze sent them turning around which resulted in some rather funny looking outtake photos :)

From hemming the gown this morning (curlers still in my hair), to photos this afternoon, and now this blog post I have had a busy day! It was well worth the rush to capture this gown amongst the last of the golden leaves before they fall like the rest and the world turns from gold to grey!


21 comments:

  1. I love how this turned out! I enjoyed seeing all your progress posts. Yes a tutorial for your hair would be great!
    -Emily

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    1. Thank you Emily! I'll try and film a video soon :)

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  2. This is an amazing costume! It must have taken so much work. You must be very proud of it! Lovely setting for the photos too.

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    1. Thank you Kate! It was an intense project! I was so glad we had nice weather this past weekend for photos :)

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  3. It looks fabulous!! I quite agree, the fabric is perfectly suited for this ensemble :) You look wonderful, and great job with the hair! Impressive ;)

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  4. It looks stunning, and I love these photos, Bianca!

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  5. Amazing, that's all I can say. You look just like a lady, love how it turned ^^

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  6. These look like stills from a film! I'm expecting Daniel Day Lewis to come charging out of the treeline any minute. I'm so impressed, not only with the dress, but with your hair. A visual feast! x

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    1. Thank you Porcelina! I wouldn't mind meeting a dashing gent, they are so rare these days!

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  7. My absolute word! This whole ensemble is rapturously gorgeous. So elegant, classic and exceptionally pretty - highlighted and enriched all the more by this breathtaking woodland setting. You have beyond knocked it out of the ballpark, dear Bianca.

    ♥ Jessica

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    1. Thank you Jessica! I love a good woodland setting, I only wish we had larger proper forests nearby. I'm sad that all the leaves will be gone soon!

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  8. Golly! Your hair looks amazing ~ I can't believe it's all your own. I think that's so cool! Plus, your robe is so lovely. It looks perfect for the fall scenery! ❤

    xox,
    bonita of Lavender & Twill

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    1. Thanks Bonita! It was quite the hair do, sorta clown like without the gown to go with it :)

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  9. so Artistic!...so Breathtaking look !...every photo is as beautiful as a painting ...very nice!
    have a great week

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  10. In awe over this amazing dress; I have been lurking around for an hour. You choose all of my favorite colors in your amazing outfits!

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