Gallery of Fashion, September 1794.
There is no title given in the description of this print, but it is clearly a Walking Dress.
The background of this print is quite lush and detailed. Clearly the lady is walking along the grounds of a grand country estate.
This is a transitional period of fashion, when the waistlines have risen to just below the bosom, but the skirts are still gathered a bit full, not quite yet the narrow Regency silhouette. Tall plumes, worn with both day and evening wear, continue en vogue through the end of the century. I confess that this particular single ostrich plume looks more like a cat’s tail than a feather!
Note that she holds her parasol not by the handle, but by a loop at the top.
The print is described in the magazine as follows:
“Large white chip gipsey hat; round the crown a yellow riband, tied in a large easy bow on the right side; another riband of the same colour passing over the crown, and tied in a small bow upon the breast. A large black ostrich feather placed on the left side. The hair combed straight upon the forehead, and the rest lightly frizzed, and thrown into small curls and ringlets; the rose-coloured riband in the hair tied in a small bow in the front. Round gown of lawn with a narrow flounce, the gaufred [ie waffled or crinkled] plaits scallopped; short sleeves. Round the neck a full lawn plaiting à l’Espagnole. Sash of broad yellow silk, tied behind in a small bow, the two ends nearly as long as the gown. Black silk netted cloak, trimmed with a full plaiting of lace, drawn and tied in the front, the two ends hanging down very low. Gold ear-rings. Jonquille-coloured gloves and shoes. Parasol of green taffeta, trimmed with a white fringe.”
