Costume and Textiles Woman's Round Gown (Robe à l'anglaise) Made in West Chester, Pennsylvania, United States, North and Central Americac. 1775-80s Artist/maker unknown, American Striped cotton plain weave Currently not on view 1959-113-1 Gift of Dorothea Wood, 1959 |
LabelThis gown is a rare surviving example of the type worn by servants and the lower classes, or by middle class women for informal wear. The plain design and the use of cotton fabric are well suited to an informal dress, but also reflect the growing preference for simplicity during the 1770s and 1780s. At this time, dresses with closed skirts became popular; called "round gowns," they were put on over the head. The center front closure of the bodice was also newly fashionable; in this example, however, the triangular shape of a stomacher is maintained through unusual robings attached only at the shoulders. Both these and the fronts would have been pinned in place.Social Tags [?]18th century gowns [x] 18th century women's clothing [x] 18th cenury [x] fashion [x] women's clothing [x] [Add Your Own Tags] |
