All posts filed under: 19th Century

Gosh Dagmar, you really liked your pearls, didn’t you?

I’ve posted about Dagmar of Denmark, known after her marriage as Maria Feodorovna of Russia, before. While I was researching her I noticed something. Maybe it was because of her rather impoverished childhood, maybe it was a family weakness for completely OTT necklaces, maybe it was because she had already cried her share of brides tears well before the wedding, or maybe she just liked the things. Whatever it was, man, that girl had some pearl bling going in all her portraits! From Dagmar’s diary*: 6 June 1867: A man came today to take my portrait with the new camera technology. How fabulous! I knew exactly what I wanted to wear: my favourite bow headband and every single pearl necklace I own. Also the bracelets. I looked fabulous. One of my ladies in waiting suggested that it might be a bit much as I’m not even 20, but I told her to stuff it. The nerve! 25 September 1874: The happiest possible news! The doctor has just confirmed today that I will be confined for …

The Dreamstress goes camping

Published by The Dreamstress

As of yesterday, I’m out of town for a few days, braving the wilds of New Zealand with the Naiad, Shell, a guy, and a pack on my back. Fear not though. While I am struggling uphill, and struggling over a fire and bandaging blisters, the blog will be on autopilot. So you still get to enjoy pretty historical goodness. And when I come back, you can enjoy pretty natural photography goodness!

Rate the dress: Dull brown in 1835

Published by The Dreamstress

Last week’s ensemble was all about erasing details: comparing the impression captured in the painting to the reality of the dresses fit and construction. The painting came up trumps for comfort and flattery, and Jeanne Samary came away with a very impressive 9.2 out of 10 This week’s dress will be all about the details, because they are what carry the dress. The fabric is a dull brown, the weave a subdued brocade. Only the elaborate pleating, ruching and puffs add interest. What do you think? Does the simple fabric balance the elaborate treatment? Or is the elaborate treatment, plus the plain fabric, two wrongs rather than a balance? Or is the elaborate treatment still not enough to add interest to the plain fabric? Is the dress, despite all the details, still dull and boring? Or are both fabric and details an exquisite exercise in subtlety and design? Rate the Dress on a scale of 1 to 10