Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Ideas Considered: Color Combo Suggestions Anyone?


The V&A 1874 gown, also the same one from Janet Arnold's 'Patterns Of Fashion II', is one I'd like to take a stab at this year.
This also falls into the Early Bustle category on my 2013 Project list.

Augustintytär's version over at 'Before The Automobile', is stunning in pale blue and navy.
So, as to not be a copycat, I'd like to use different shades than the ones on hers and on the original.
I think that I may have already made my decision on what solid colors I'd like to use for my own version, but I'd love to hear any ideas you all might have.
My current thoughts for a color combo that may just win; a rich creamy ivory to light taupe with black trim, both in silk taffeta.
I'm going for a light color for the major portion of the dress, and darker for the details.

The original at the V&A

Like many others out there I'm sure, this dress is one that has inspired me since I was a kid. Probably one of the only early bustle gowns I ever really loved.
The combination of higher waistlines with larger bustles, paired with endless trimmings, ruffles, pleats and lace (just as much on the upper half as on the lower in some cases) gave me the impression that the dresses were wearing the women. In many of the fashion plates between 1870 to 1874, I swear they resemble escaped wedding cakes as they glide along the promenade.
Don't get me wrong, I LOVE ruffles and pleats. But this one is sleek, elegant and non-frivolous, yet still so feminine within the details.
Seeing it brought to life by the expert skills of Augustintytär and the wondrous 'Green Acres' project by Lauren of American Duchess, gave me all the more reason to finally give in and try an early bustle ensemble.

I love the green gown! You can actually see the lady's figure.

Again, directly from my list of things to make, I'll need that new Victorian corset and the LM trained bustle for this project. The plus side is that after I make this corset, I can also use it for Dickens Fair next year and all the other mid Victorian or early bustle events that may occur.


1873 corset From Nora Waugh's, 'Corsets And Crinolines' book.

 The Laughing Moon trained bustle, or as I like to call it; a place to hide your Dalek.


8 comments:

  1. Oooo! Can't wait! I'm flattered that my giant green monster dress is inspiring you. I guess I better get back to work on it, then, eek!

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    1. Yay! I'm so excited to see the results of your gown.
      I had to put the Sisi velvet project down for a bit. All that velvet makes me appreciate working with easy fabrics like taffeta and cotton!
      It's been so hard to stay on track after the holidays though, and I've been playing catch-up with everything else besides sewing that had to be put on hold over the last 4 months.
      I think the end of this month will finally give me some free time.
      xoxo

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  2. You can't go wrong with tan and brown!

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  3. I'm really feeling purple . . . But that's just me :)

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    1. I like that idea; a super pale lavender with dark purple for the trim....those colors look really good on me, too.
      Ugh, so hard to decide!
      xoxox

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    2. ...That is, if I can find the right fabric, and enough of it in that pale lavender color.
      I'm going to need about 9 yards for the main dress, and the only place I've seen so far that has something close enough is Renaissance Fabrics. They have 5 left :-(


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    3. Looks like you need to come visit me and my garment district then ;)

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    4. Yes! Once the plate is clear one weekend, it's on!

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