This mid 19th century sturdy work dress is an amalgamation of several homespun dresses prominent in the Southern part of the United States from about 1840 to 1870. Inspired by these original gowns, our American South dress is made of…
This Romantic Era dress is a modified version of our Brooks Dress and is inspired by two original gowns- one c. 1838 formerly in the Tasha Tudor Collection and the other c. 1835 in the collection of the Bunka Gakuen…
This Romantic Era dress was inspired by an original cotton American gown c. 1847 in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This transitional style gown features wide, yoked neckline and gathered front bodice. The short, fitted sleeves are…
Posted in 25th Anniversary, Atelier, Business Bevies
Over the years, I have had the good fortune to be hired as a freelance costume design specialist by a few in “the Industry. The Industry is the machine that runs the entertainment world. This includes television, film, and large…
Posted in 1840s, 1850s, Commissions
I recently put together this 1840s era work dress based on drawings from the Workwoman’s Guide by a Lady. I used pattern #017 by Saundra Ros Altman of Past Patterns. The Workwoman’s Guide refers to the cut of this dress…
Posted in 1860s, 1870s, Corsets and Underthings, D.I.Y., Fashion History, Historical Sewing, Research
When it comes to the crinolines of the 1860s, bigger is not always better. Contrary to popular belief, the crinolines worn by women of this period were not as wide as folklore (or Scarlett O’Hara) wants us to believe. While…
Posted in Fashion History, Historical Sewing, Research
I developed The Fashion History Pages in 2002 ago in response to a need for reputable online information regarding the history of Western fashion. These pages were initially designed for educators and students as a place where each could come to gain…
Just a few hours from my studio, the Jane Austen Dresstival in Louisville has been a destination for historical costume enthusiasts and Jane Austen fans from across the nation. The festival has cultivated a serious following for over a decade…