Because of the upcoming Dragonrose pattern for an 1867 evening dress, I wanted to explore the fashion of that year. The American Civil War period is very well-explored, and I've done a certain amount of research into the early bustle period, but in between those two, my impression has been comparatively vague. Godey's Lady's Book, … Continue reading Fashion in 1867
Category: research
Jeanne Adèle Bernard (1872-1962)
Maison Jenny is one of the hardest couture firms to learn about - but if you look through fashion plates and magazines, she is all over. According to a blog, Jeanne Adèle began working under Jeanne Paquin, and then under Béchoff David (another little-known master). Her own house opened sometime between 1908 and 1910; the sources … Continue reading Jeanne Adèle Bernard (1872-1962)
Louise Chéruit (ca. 1870?-1935)
Louise Chéruit (not Madeleine) is another of those couturiers that has been forgotten by historical chance, whose style and contributions are almost unknown today, despite the fact that she may be the only designer mentioned in Vile Bodies. Mme Chéruit, by Paul-César Helleu, ca. 1901 Unlike Pingat, we do know where Chéruit learned her trade - though … Continue reading Louise Chéruit (ca. 1870?-1935)
Emile Pingat (1820-1901)
For various reasons, certain designers have stuck in the collective consciousness as being the single greatest creative minds of their times. Gabrielle Chanel and Madeleine Vionnet are good examples: as you know, some hold them up as the only important couturiers of the 1920s because they're the two remembered couturiers of the 1920s. When it comes … Continue reading Emile Pingat (1820-1901)
A Question for the Living Historians and Re-enactors
You probably all know by now that I love to do research and write (but mostly do research), and lately I've been working on turning that blog post, Fashion vs. Feminism, into an article, with citations and five times as much text and things. You probably also know that I haven't made very many ensembles, and … Continue reading A Question for the Living Historians and Re-enactors
Mimic of Modes 