All posts tagged: 1900s

The 1900s tea gown: beginnings

I’m doing this a bit backwards as clearly you know that the tea gown is done (albeit done in a sort of “sew in haste, unpick at leisure”). However I did take photos and notes as I sewed, and as I haven’t found many other tea-gown recreations done by other historical costumers, and as I did quite a bit of research, I thought it might be helpful if I posted about my process. So, a tea gown! We already know exactly what a tea gown is. That was the starting point for my research. In order to make one, I needed to know exactly what I was making. That out of the way, I needed to design my own tea gown. I knew what I wanted in a tea gown: ca. 1900, really the height of the tea gown fashion over-robe, open front effect Watteau pleats & 18th century inspiration A mix of fabrics and textures After assembling a pinterest board of research and inspiration, I went with three main pieces of inspiration: First my …

When politicians advise on fashion

Published by The Dreamstress

The debate between the aesthetics of fashion and the health and practicality of garments is never more pointed than when it comes to the matter of corsets. In 1904 the argument had one last great fling in New Zealand, with a series of international specialists visiting the country to declare the ill-effects of the garment. The anti-corset movement saw a surge in popularity, and the politicians, ever after a chance to see their own popularity surge, jumped on the bandwagon, not always wisely, as this period cartoon shows us:

I want these shoes so much

Published by The Dreamstress

American Duchess has just launched her first 20th century shoe: pre-orders are open for the Astoria 1900-1915 Edwardian Shoe. I’m very much in impressed and want one in each colour! Clearly I need to talk to Mr D about an extravagant early/late Valentines present. As much as I adore the Astoria’s, these lovelies were my first Edwardian shoe love, the first early-20th century shoe to have me plastered to the computer screen saying “OOooooh…want…now!”: Aren’t they gorgeous? Aren’t they swoon worthy? Don’t you just want a pair in dye-able silk that you can add your own sequins and diamantes to and tie with any color bow? American Duchess, please add them to your to-do list!