Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, April 1812.
“Ball Dress.”
This dress, or at least this print, really reveals the model’s figure! I love how Regency models are not the super-skinny girls we see in today’s magazines. I know that some contemporary commentators felt that Regency fashion was much TOO revealing. I suspect those people would have cringed at this print, where there is little left to the imagination below the waist!
It’s a very international ensemble: Circassian robe, Spanish sleeves, Spartan head-dress. Love the ball-fringe at the hem and waist!
The hat is called a helmet, which only means that it has no brim. Though it resembles a turban, it has more structure.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“A round Circassian robe of pink crape, or gossamer net, over a satin slip, fringed full at the feet; a peasant’s bodice of pink satin or velvet, laced in the front with silver, and decorated with the same ornament. Spanish slash sleeve, embellished with white crape foldings, and finished at its termination with bands of silver. A Spartan or Calypso helmet of pink frosted crape, with silver bandeaus, and embellished with tassels, and rosets [sic] to correspond. A rich neck-chain and ear-rings of Oriental gold. Fan of carved ivory. Slippers of pink kid, with corresponding clasps; and gloves of white kid; an occasional square veil of Mechlin lace.”
