Gallery of Fashion, October 1796.
“Evening Dresses.”
One of the most unusual things about this print is that the model on the left has a string of pearls falling from the earrings to under her chin. So, a string of pearls attached at the ears. I have a 1798 print from this publication showing a string of garnets used the same way. An unusual style of jewelry I was not aware of before seeing these prints.
The embroidery at the hem of her skirt is quite beautiful, as is the trimming of the robe (outer dress) with white satin ribbon wrapped in pink velvet.
The “Queen Elizabeth ruff” worn by the model on the right is very pretty, though I don’t image her majesty ever wore such a low, modest ruff in her life!
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“Fig, CXVI.–A toupee dressed in easy curls; the hind hair turned up plain, the ends returned in ringlets. Chiffonet of muslin, with full plaiting of lace, the ends falling on the left side, crossed with rose-coloured riband, with a bow in the front; one white and one yellow ostrich feather placed very low behind. Petticoat of clear muslin, embroidered in colours, trimmed with blond lace and satin riband. Robe of clear muslin trimmed with lace, and a broad white satin riband crossed with rose-coloured velvet; short sleeves, trimmed in four parts with lace; chemise tucker. A string of pearls falling from the ear-rings under the chin. White gloves and shoes.
“Fig. CXVII.–The toupee in a tight frizz, plain chignon, a wreath of oak intermixed with the hair. Round gown of light-blue figured muslin; short full sleeves, tied in the middle. Queen Elizabeth’s tuff of broad lace. White satin girdle. Pearl ear-rings. Two strings of beads round the neck. White gloves and shoes.”
