The hardest thing about translating these fashion plates is that there are a number of words that have different meanings in 18th century and 21st century French. It did finally (finally) occur to me that I could find older French dictionaries on Google Books, which is very helpful, but there are still terms that are … Continue reading Galerie des Modes: Vocabulary
Category: Galerie des Modes
Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 2e Figure
Polonaise Gown, hooded, of unpatterned material. (1778) Polonaise with pockets and hood,* or winter Polonaise. These gowns are very narrow in front, and leave free the little vest** trimmed down the center with and surrounded by a large ribbon. The wings and the rounded tail are pulled up very high, as in the preceding print, … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 2e Figure
Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 1ere Figure
Woman in a Polonaise Gown of striped taffeta, trimmed with gauze, retying her garter and allowing the sight of her lovely leg. (1778) Current Polonaise, or frock-coat Polonaise, very comfortable for the morning and the country. This stylish, sprightly, and informal Dress is fastened with a ribbon*; it should be pulled up very high, and … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 1ere Figure
Galerie des Modes, 1ere Volume, Introduction
I recently discovered that the Galerie des Modes plates with their short captions also had longer descriptions that went with them, and decided it would be a great idea to go through them all and translate them. There are nine issues, each with several plates, and I'll post each separately. Below, you will find the … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 1ere Volume, Introduction
Mimic of Modes 