Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, July 1817.
“Evening Dress.”
In 1817 we begin to see, in evening dresses, the waistline rising to its highest level, the bodice being little more than a strip of cloth across the bosom. I have always suspected, however, that these tiny bodices we see from 1817 to 1819 are somewhat exaggerated. A woman with even the smallest bosom could not have fit into this bodice!
Despite the tiny bodice, this is a very pretty dress. The over dress is made of gauze, and its transparency is beautifully shown on the right side of the print. I do not, however, understand the bonnet. In general, I don’t like evening hats, unless they are turbans. This hat, though made of white satin, looks more like something to be worn with a walking dress. I believe it detracts from the simple elegance of the dress. But that’s just my opinion. Yours may differ.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“A plain rich white gauze dress over a satin slip. The form, a frock made to fasten behind; it is cut very low all round the bust, and the body and sleeves are ornamented, in a style of uncommon novelty and taste, with blond and moss roses. The skirt is elegantly trimmed with gauze draperies, each of which is fastened with a rose. Head-dress, the chapeau à la Infanta; it is composed of white satin; the crown a moderate height. elegantly ornamented with satin round the top. The front, which turns up all round, is of a novel and becoming shape. A beautiful plume of feathers droops a little to the left side. The hair is dressed in loose curls on the forehead, parted in front, and very low on the sides. Necklace and ear-rings, diamonds. White kid gloves and white satin slippers. White crape fan, richly ornamented in silver.
“We have again to acknowledge our obligation to the taste and invention of Mrs. Marchant of Gerrrard-street, SoHo, by whom we have been favoured with our dresses this month.”
