Ackermann’s Repository, June 1810.
“Walking Dress.”
The first few years of this magazine included several fashion prints showing women with children. In this year, 1810, there are 6 prints showing mothers with children, primarily toddlers and babies. After June 1812, we see no more children in Ackermann prints. Most prints with children show domestic scenes, so it is rather charming to see a mother out for a walk with her youngster. This child is a bit older than most seen in this magazine. I am assuming it is a little boy, though girls and boys wore similar dress for their early years, so I cannot be sure.
The mother’s ensemble has a curiously international flair. A robe of French cambric, an Armenian collar, an Egyptian mantle, Spanish trimming, a French bonnet, and a Chinese parasol. A whole world of style!
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“WALKING OR CARRIAGE COSTUME. A round high robe of French cambric. with an Armenian collar, and cuffs edged with antique lace; three rows of appliqued lace beading round the bottom. An Egyptian mantle of lilac shot sarsnet, trimmed with broad Spanish binding, and deep thread lace. A Parisian bonnet of the same material, ornamented with narrow stripes of white satin ribbon, and trimmed at the edge with lace, or a plaiting of French net. A small French cap, and flowers appearing in front of the forehead. Chinese parasol with deep awning of white silk. Ridicule to correspond. Lilac kid slippers or half-boots. Child’s dress of nankeen or buff kerseymere, of the Highland order.”
