Lady of Quality in Undress, walking in the morning in the Country. This dress is white, trimmed with bands of painted cloth, and consists of a petticoat and a bodice with a tail pulled up in the back. (1778) Demi-polonaise, or polonaise à la liberté. It is a diminutive version of the bottom part of … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 4e Figure
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Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 3e Figure
Little Mistress in a Polonaise Gown of painted linen trimmed with muslin, reading a letter. (1778) Polonaise, open over the chest and closed in the middle of the waist, with wings that are developed in the front and a tail that blooms in the back.* As the polonaise allows the sight of the chest in … Continue reading Galerie des Modes, 7e Cahier, 3e Figure
Galerie des Modes: Vocabulary
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
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