All posts tagged: 1660s

The 1660s Ninon gown – now with trimmings!

I’ve held off on trimming the Ninon gown for literally years, because I loved it so much untrimmed, and have been afraid I wouldn’t like it as much trimmed. But I’ve finally sucked it up and done it, and (luckily!) I love it even more with trimming! For trimming inspiration I wavered between the Beaubrun portrait that had been my primary inspiration throughout the making of the dress: And the van der Helst portrait of a couple, which appealed to me because of the simplicity of the trimmings (I know that a gazillion bows going up the front of your bodice doesn’t seem simple, but it’s really such a basic trim): At first I leaned toward the ribbon for simplicity. I’ve got some rather nice quality viscose ribbon that is a good match for the ribbons on van der Helst’s woman in colour, width and texture. I made a bunch of bows from them and pinned them up the front, and while they looked lovely, the were a little too obvious. So I had a …

Rate the Dress – Lady of 1650

Published by The Dreamstress

When I posted last week’s 1910s Rate the Dress I knew that the colour scheme wasn’t likely to be popular (personally, I’m sure you know I adore neutrals, and I thought the plum-y contrast of the collar was an inspired choice), but I forgot about your hate of the top-heavy, blouson 1910s silhouette. Despite that, you did like the crisp tailored look of the ensemble, so it managed a passable, if not brilliant, 7.3 out of 10 For this week’s rate the dress, we’re going allegorical. Our subject, possibly Jeanne de Marigny, is shown in a mid 17th century allegorical portrait, possibly as ‘Fortune’ or ‘Vanity,’ literally dripping in wealth. She has a pearl circlet on her head, pearls around her neck, garlands of pearls festooning her neckline, with further strands of jewels and pearls across her chests. She carelessly lets more precious gems and gold coins drip from her fingers, and gathers them up in her skirt as if they were no more than flowers. While the painting is an allegory, and her dress …

Let there be light

Published by The Dreamstress

During our photoshoot at the old Dominion Museum building Theresa noticed the huge stained glass windows. I’ve posed in these windows before, with limited success (tricky, tricky lighting), but I think this series turned out much better – if only because it makes me laugh. Theresa gave very detailed directions about my face and hands. She kept telling me to look up toward the light, and then to point “no, don’t just gesture, point!” I stood. I looked towards the light. I gestured. I pointed. I tried very, very hard to keep a straight face. Theresa said “let their be light!” and there was.