Fashions of London and Paris, November 1799.
“London Walking Dress”
What looks like a spencer is called, in the description, a Swiss corset. In this case, the term corset does not refer to an undergarment. It refers to a close-fitting bodice. So, it woulds not be an outer garment, like a spencer, that could be removed. It is an integral part of the dress. I am glad that it is shown from the back, giving us a view of the lovely blue piping. Beneath the piping is a large bow of the same color.
The hat is called a bonnet à la Repentir, which translates as a Repentence bonnet. I have seen that term in early Costume Parisien prints, but I have no idea what one would repent in wearing such a bonnet.
Note that in this early period, even a walking dress often included a demi-train. As the majority of dresses were white, the hems must have been perpetually dirty.
The print is described, very briefly, in the magazine as follows:
“Swiss Corset of black velvet lined with blue silk, edged with blue chenille. Bonnet à la Repentir, made of black velvet and trimmed with blue ribband and lace, as represented. Bear muff.”
