A Sumptuous ca.1750-70 Robe à la Française

Sometimes you just want to go over the top!  This sacque gown (robe à la française) is without doubt the most opulent gown of its type I've made yet, inspired by a small number of extant gowns of the 1750-70 period made of beautiful brocade textiles with applied silver trim and lace.  My challenge was to create a gown that represented the luxury of the era in upper class dress, while still maintaining the balance, grace, and elegance of mid-18th century dress.  

As often happens, this project was sparked by a fortuitous discovery of a luxurious silk blend brocade at a price that, while expensive, wasn't shockingly high.  This lovely fabric, with soft metallic gold motifs woven throughout, on a golden tan ground, and little sprinkled motifs in rose-red, was rich looking without being garish -- a perfect background for metallic silver laces and trim.  Please read on to follow my journey of creating this unique gown! 

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