#每天读一点服装史# EMPIRE LINES

2017-07-16 本文已影响0人末小闲

1800 - 1809

EMPIRE LINES

Fashion magazines produced hand-colored plates for each month, specifying whether a dress was best for morning, afternoon, or evening wear, or designed for a special occasion.

MORNING DRESS, 1800

In France the so-called Empire line had been fashionable since the 1790s (Napoleon became emperor in 1804).

This simple style was inspired by classical Greek and Roman statuary, where figures were draped in fabric with minimal ornamentation.

Waistlines were high and skirts had short trains until 1807 when straighter lines were favored.

The palette at this time was white or pastel shades, although trim and accessories could add brighter accents.

1803

Corseting was unboned but corded corsets separated the breasts and controlled waist and hips with back lacing.

Dresses with short sleeves in simple cotton muslin required stoles and capes or pelisses to provide warmth.

Some dresses were overlaid with layers of lace and gauze.

Gradually, more exotic accessories became available, such as parasols and embroidered shawls from India.

COTTON GOWN, 1807

GETTING DRESSED

A women of substance required a lady’s maid to help her dress, particularly to get her into her corset.

In this period corsets were long line and unboned, and worn over a linen shift called a chemise, drawers - of linen, cotton, or stockinette - and stockings with decorative embroidery.

The maid would then assist with the sleeveless dress, which was filmy and clinging, and put on jewelry as required before helping to curl and pin her mistress’s hair under a bonnet or a bandeau trimmed with feathers.