Ackermann’s Repository of Arts, August 1819.
“Evening Dress.”
The last few years of the decade saw the bodices of evening dresses shrink to miniscule proportions, at least in the fashion prints. Within 2 years the waist will begin to creep down to its natural line.
The ivory fan she carries is the type shown in these articles on fans from my collection. Note the small size, which is typical of the period.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“A white lace skirt over a white satin slip; the bottom of the skirts is ornamented with a fulness of white satin, confined at each edge by a narrow rouleau; above this is a trimming composed of satin stars; in the center of each is a rose, and between every one a full satin leaf: this trimming is surmounted by a fall of blond [lace]. The corsage is composed of white satin; it is cut rather low, and sloping down a little in front of the bust, which is trimmed with a blond ruche. Short sleeve, of a singularly novel and pretty form, for which we refer to our print. The hair is dressed in full curls in front; the hind hair is disposed in bows intermixed with plaits. The only ornament of the head is a full plume of beautiful white ostrich feathers. Necklace and ear-rings pearl. White satin shoes. White kid gloves. Carved ivory fan.
“We are indebted to Miss Pierpoint of No. 9, Henrietta-street, Covent-Garden, maker of the corset à la Grecque, for both these dresses [ie both fashion prints in this issue].”
