Fashions of London and Paris, May 1808.
“Evening Dresses.”
Though the dresses in this print are rendered quite simply, as are all prints in this inexpensive magazine, the description of both dresses sound very elegant and expensive, in terms of the fabrics and jewelry.
Note the armlets on the model on the left. Because of long evening gloves, armlets were quite fashionable throughout the Regency period, worn above the top of the glove. And, like bracelets, were almost always worn as a pair, one on each arm.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“Fig. 1.–A round dress of apple-blossom silk, made quite pain, and covered with a drapery, or short robe, of white lace or net, which hangs quite loose and full, and is fastened on each shoulder with a diamond or pearl brooch; the bottom embroidered round in vandyke, and sloped up in front, finishing in a complete point behind. Tiara, necklace, and armlets or pearls. white shoes and gloves.
“Fig. 2.–A dress of thin white muslin, over an under dress of sarsnet; the train rather long, and trimmed round with pink net; the back low, and quite square; the front formed to the bosom; the sleeves very short, and looped up with pearls; a cap of white satin, covered with pink net, and ornamented with flowers.”
