18
Oct

“As elegant as lace and pearls could make her”

by HML

A closer view of the ball gown My ball gown was designed and created by Tamara, one of the co-authors of the La Mode Bagatelle Regency Wardrobe pattern package. It’s based on a gown featured in at least two different fashion periodicals from the early 1800s. I can’t post an original fashion plate because I don’t own one yet. (I lost out in an eBay bidding war for one earlier this summer … *grumble*). The original gown design was described as follows:

An empire waist gown with an overlayer studded in pearls and with ropes of pearls holding it shut. Accessories include a white shawl and beaded bracelets worn on the bicep.

The ball gown as seen from the backAfter studying the fashion plates, Tamara made a petticoat, gown, and an overlayer. The lace overlayer is completely detachable from the rest of the gown so the main gown could easily be worn on its own or the overlayer could be worn with a different gown. The sleeves are open to allow the gown’s sleeves to show through. Paired bead strands hold the overlayer together. The skirt is fuller in the back than in the front but no train.

We decided on a few modifications. The original gown was white on white, but we chose pale pink satin for the gown, and pink lace for the overlayer. The lace we chose has a nice scalloped edge very similar to the overlayer border on the original fashion plates. Tamara added several decorative touches like the extra beading at the waistline and the ribbon trim on the sleeves, neckline, and at the waist. Project followers will note that the ribbon looks a little different on the finished product – originally Tamara was going to sew beads on the ribbon but changed her mind and wound a pair of thin cords around the ribbon instead. A few small beads were sewn into the lace as well for additional texture and to catch the light.

Another closer look at the dress and accessoriesA friend made freshwater pearl strands to wear in my hair, and a pair of upper arm bracelets. The bracelets are carved rose quartz rounds alternating with round gold fill beads. Over-the-elbow gloves of white kid leather complete the accessories. I had planned to buy vintage gloves, but soon discovered that most of the older styles are too small for my hands. Luckily I found an eBay shop offering new gloves in modern sizes. Closeted Janeites (and customers with other uses for long leather gloves) will be pleased to know that the seller promises discreet shipping in a plain envelope, much to the Gimlet’s amusement.

The 1809 ideal versus today's toddlerThe final fitting day was very exciting, and Thing Two wanted to dress up, too. Later he tried to share his beads with me. A little carried away by the fashion plate spirit, we attempted a mother and child photo, but Thing Two was uncooperative, to put it mildly. I am increasingly convinced that the serene cherubs in those old prints were stuffed and mounted, or perhaps cardboard cutouts.

The Gimlet Gallery has a few more pictures of the dress as seen at the JASNA AGM. Many thanks to Tamara for her creativity and craftsmanship, and many thanks to Linda for her generous and perfect finishing touches. The gown is gorgeous; I love how it turned out and am eager to find more reasons to wear it … thus far I’ve resisted the temptation to lounge around the house in it. Now, where did I hide those bonbons?

Related posts:

“I am rather impatient to know the fate of my best gown.”
Cleans up nice
2010 JASNA AGM Report: Mystery

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This entry was posted on Thursday, October 18th, 2007 at 9:53 am and is filed under jane austen, projects. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.

6 Responses to ““As elegant as lace and pearls could make her””

  1. Cailean
    October 18th, 2007 17:33
    1

    Oh my, this was SO fun to read about and see the pictures! It is amazing to see how authentic everyone looked, and YOU looked so beautiful! Wow!!!! I am sending your blog to a friend of mine who LOVES Jane Austen too :)

  2. ms. place
    October 18th, 2007 17:48
    2

    I adore this post. Thank you for sending it on.

  3. Jane Austen: Conference in Vancouver « Jane Austen’s World
    October 18th, 2007 17:53
    3

    [...] Update: Can you stand it? Here are a few more views of this gorgeous gown. [...]

  4. Mandy N
    October 20th, 2007 22:20
    4

    Oh my…some people who wear costumes do just that…. Others wear a Regency ensemble and appear to be from another era. Absolutely beautiful, Heather. Silk & satin (or muslin) can never said to be wasted. ;D
    Looks a wonderful JASNA hop. I love the authentic clothing pics…many thanks for sharing your photos.
    Such a pity one cannot wear the gown to the Supermarket,- I’m sure you’d be guaranteed First-class service.
    But one gets so tumbled in such a crowd ! I’d lounge round on the best sofa like Lady Bertram and Pug. :-D

  5. Mags
    October 21st, 2007 23:42
    5

    I was there, and can attest that the gown is gorgeous and our hostess looked smashing in it! and we all danced and had fun…I have photos of her dancing with the Gimlet somewhere.

  6. Mandy N
    October 22nd, 2007 02:37
    6

    Yes indeedy…. I saw the happy snap of you in a lovely green gown; your colour.