1837 Evening Gown
- 2024
- Model Credit: Julia Sommerville
- Photo Credit: Sarah Cooper
The evening gown is a replica of a dress worn by Princess Marianne of the Netherlands in a portrait by Theodor Hildebrandt, painted in 1837. The gown was created using historical draping and sewing construction techniques. The Gown is supported by three petticoats, two bustle pads and a corset, which are all made to be as historically accurate as possible. The undergarments are made from cotton, and horsehair canvas. The Gown is lined with glazed cotton, and the sleeves are lined with silk satin. The velvet of the dress is Rayon, which provides many the reflective qualities and structure of historical silk velvet. The jewelry and blet were hand made to match the look of the accessories in the painting as closely as possible in a theater setting.
1830s Supporting Garments
- 2024
- Model Credit: Julia Sommerville
- Photo Credits: Emma Sickert
All supporting garments were made for and worn with the 1837 evening gown, and were based off of extent garments and historical documents. The split busk front corset was chosen by the class professor for ease in fittings, even though there are very few examples of split busk corsets in the 30s. Although horsehair petticoats and corded petticoats would not normally be warn together, they were both required to support the weight of the velvet over skirt. Modern velvet is not as structured as historical velvets, and required both styles of supportive petticoats to achieve the period silhouette. A variety of hand stiches were used throughout the projects such as; stroke gathering, cartridge pleating, flossing, felling stitch, cord gathers and slip stich.
1890s White Tie and Tails
- 2023
- Model Credit: Adam Persons
- Photo Credit: Heather MacDonald