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I continue my series of antique French Fashion plates from the time of Maire Antoinette with a few examples of some of the more extreme fashions of the day. Most of us modern ladies think of historical clothing prior to the 1920's as being very conservative and buttoned up; however this is not always the case. Low cut bodices were very much in fashion for much of the 16th - 19th Centuries. Strange how it was permissible to expose so much of ones bosom in public yet exposing ones shoulders would have been too risque'. Many fashionable women in the late 18th century even went so far as to expose one or both nipples on occasion; or their bodice was cut so low that with the slightest movement a nipple might make a surprise appearance. Now mind you the woman would act just slightly shocked at the occurrence but it was well known that by wearing gowns of that "cut" it was bound to happen. I can just image the men of the day placing bets as to when Madam X's nipple(s) would appear during a ball or supper. It must have been hilarious to watch. French Fashion plate from c1780 showing an exposed nipple Above is a French fashion plate from the 1780's showing just how low fashionable bodices had come. There is no question that the ladies nipple is indeed exposed. This is not a solo fashion plate. I have several that show exposed nipples from this same time period and others where a majority of the breast is exposed even if the nipple is not obvious to see. This extreme fashion was not only in France but to some extent in England and other progressive European countries. Not all women went as far as to expose their nipple(s), others chose only to allow the areolae to be visible and those more modest, would allow the bodice to come just to but not quite expose the that much of their charms. Any way you look at it, showing cleavage or one's décolletage was an acceptable fashion statement of the day. The question was not would you show cleavage but "how low will you go"? ***** I thought it would be interesting to post about some of the more daring fashions from this time of Marie Antoinette (the late 1770's through the late 1780's) that show how low the bodices could be. Some do not blatantly expose the nipple(s) as seen in the above engraving; however in many of them on closer inspection you realize just how exposed they really are. Extreme "Naughty" French Fashions Exposed nipples are shown in these fashion plates Both nipples are exposed in this fashion plate (they are very pale but they are there) A slight lean over to the side and her left nipple is exposed Age did not seem to matter either - both nipples are exposed but she does wear a scarf. Both nipples are in plane sight in this fashion plate These could be "exposed" if not they are very close to giving a peep show Looks like her left nipple is exposed to me Same here - her left nipple appears to be peeking just above the lace This time I believe there is a hint of nipple above the lace on her right breast "Exposure" is just a question of time With a deep breath or a slight turn - everyone would be in for quite a surprise. Almost exposed but not quite. Just below the lace - so don't breath too deep if you don't want all revealed She looks as if she is tugging up her bodice but it's too low to hide for long Widows Weeds with a bit of flash, because there isn't much keeping her in that bodice Just dare me! Just a bit of lace keeping her charms under wraps I say she is a good candidate for a possible show and tell session later in in that gown Hidden behind a scrap of lace - but not for long by the looks of it Looks like she is loosing/winning the battle with her right breast I still love historical fashions yet I can't say that I would have been very comfortable exposing myself in any of these gowns. I probably would have dared to go fairly low but I would not wished to risk putting myself "all out there" if you know what I mean. Still I wanted to have a bit of fun with one of these fashion plates and chose to make the last on into a png and then proceeded to play with colors. Here are an assortment for you pleasure. The original turned into a png file Toned down version of the original Blue and Teal version Teal and Blue version Olive and Blue version Blue version Teal version Olive version Brown and Olive version Brown version Olive and Brown version Purple two-tone version Purple version I hope these "flashy" fashion plates from the late 18th century have given you a few grins and giggles; as they have me. Till the next set of fashion plates from the late 1700's... For more information on Décolletage see HERE Portrait of Princess Lamballe with exposed nipples can be seen HERE with an interesting discussion about it HERE And if you find this subject "titillating" you might also enjoy viewing a few other blog post like those found at Isis' Wardrobe - HERE or "The Naked Child in Art" from novelactivist.com found HERE

Fasion of 1780's

Yo, waddup my peasants? It’s ur gurl here to dispel some myths on history like the mythbuster I am. I might want to make this into a series where I bust historical myths. My first myth is abo…

I continue my series of antique French Fashion plates from the time of Maire Antoinette with a few examples of some of the more extreme fashions of the day. Most of us modern ladies think of historical clothing prior to the 1920's as being very conservative and buttoned up; however this is not always the case. Low cut bodices were very much in fashion for much of the 16th - 19th Centuries. Strange how it was permissible to expose so much of ones bosom in public yet exposing ones shoulders would have been too risque'. Many fashionable women in the late 18th century even went so far as to expose one or both nipples on occasion; or their bodice was cut so low that with the slightest movement a nipple might make a surprise appearance. Now mind you the woman would act just slightly shocked at the occurrence but it was well known that by wearing gowns of that "cut" it was bound to happen. I can just image the men of the day placing bets as to when Madam X's nipple(s) would appear during a ball or supper. It must have been hilarious to watch. French Fashion plate from c1780 showing an exposed nipple Above is a French fashion plate from the 1780's showing just how low fashionable bodices had come. There is no question that the ladies nipple is indeed exposed. This is not a solo fashion plate. I have several that show exposed nipples from this same time period and others where a majority of the breast is exposed even if the nipple is not obvious to see. This extreme fashion was not only in France but to some extent in England and other progressive European countries. Not all women went as far as to expose their nipple(s), others chose only to allow the areolae to be visible and those more modest, would allow the bodice to come just to but not quite expose the that much of their charms. Any way you look at it, showing cleavage or one's décolletage was an acceptable fashion statement of the day. The question was not would you show cleavage but "how low will you go"? ***** I thought it would be interesting to post about some of the more daring fashions from this time of Marie Antoinette (the late 1770's through the late 1780's) that show how low the bodices could be. Some do not blatantly expose the nipple(s) as seen in the above engraving; however in many of them on closer inspection you realize just how exposed they really are. Extreme "Naughty" French Fashions Exposed nipples are shown in these fashion plates Both nipples are exposed in this fashion plate (they are very pale but they are there) A slight lean over to the side and her left nipple is exposed Age did not seem to matter either - both nipples are exposed but she does wear a scarf. Both nipples are in plane sight in this fashion plate These could be "exposed" if not they are very close to giving a peep show Looks like her left nipple is exposed to me Same here - her left nipple appears to be peeking just above the lace This time I believe there is a hint of nipple above the lace on her right breast "Exposure" is just a question of time With a deep breath or a slight turn - everyone would be in for quite a surprise. Almost exposed but not quite. Just below the lace - so don't breath too deep if you don't want all revealed She looks as if she is tugging up her bodice but it's too low to hide for long Widows Weeds with a bit of flash, because there isn't much keeping her in that bodice Just dare me! Just a bit of lace keeping her charms under wraps I say she is a good candidate for a possible show and tell session later in in that gown Hidden behind a scrap of lace - but not for long by the looks of it Looks like she is loosing/winning the battle with her right breast I still love historical fashions yet I can't say that I would have been very comfortable exposing myself in any of these gowns. I probably would have dared to go fairly low but I would not wished to risk putting myself "all out there" if you know what I mean. Still I wanted to have a bit of fun with one of these fashion plates and chose to make the last on into a png and then proceeded to play with colors. Here are an assortment for you pleasure. The original turned into a png file Toned down version of the original Blue and Teal version Teal and Blue version Olive and Blue version Blue version Teal version Olive version Brown and Olive version Brown version Olive and Brown version Purple two-tone version Purple version I hope these "flashy" fashion plates from the late 18th century have given you a few grins and giggles; as they have me. Till the next set of fashion plates from the late 1700's... For more information on Décolletage see HERE Portrait of Princess Lamballe with exposed nipples can be seen HERE with an interesting discussion about it HERE And if you find this subject "titillating" you might also enjoy viewing a few other blog post like those found at Isis' Wardrobe - HERE or "The Naked Child in Art" from novelactivist.com found HERE

French court dress of 1787

Старинные шляпные коробки. Прекрасная шляпница.1788 Каких только шляпных коробок не было: сначала деревянные, похожие на сундучки, металлические, кожаные, хорошо всем знакомые картонные, были специальные коробки для цилиндров. В этом посте коробки для масонских и квакерских шляп, шляп для…

French court dress of 1787

I have just a few Fashion Plates that actually depict Marie Antoinette and her husband King Louis XVI. 4 in total that I will be showing on this post. Naturally, I enjoy tinkering with images so here is a fun piece of digital art I created using one of the actual Marie images. Marie with her Mystery Lover? There has been much speculation through the years as to Marie Antoinette and her supposed lovers. Many of the rumors were just that, rumors used as propaganda against Marie Antoinette for political reasons. Unfortunately for Marie her desire to get out and have a little fun only spurred on the rumor mongers and was one of the things that lead to the French Revolution. For my art piece I've got a mystery man off to the side of my altered Marie image. So it is up to you to decide if the man is her lover, friend, husband or royal escort. The 4 Royal Fashion Plates These are from around 1780 Marie Antoinette - from "Collection d'habillements Modernes et Galants" Marie Antoinette from "Galerie des Modes" King Louis XVI - "The Just and Beneficent Monarch" from "Collection d'habillements Modernes et Galants" King Louis XVI - from "Galerie des Modes" ***** A Rainbow of Maires For my digital artpiece I used the first Marie fashion plate image and turned her into a png; then as is my passion, I started changing her colors. I used an "aqua blue" version of her for my framed creation. This is what the original image looked like once the background was removed. Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version - Aqua Blue This "Aqua Blue" is the version I used for my artpiece. Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Spring Green Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Blueberry Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Plum Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Mint Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Purple Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Buttercup Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Silver Marie Antoinette: EKDuncan altered version -Raspberry I just love to alter colors in Photoshop, it's so much fun!!! Now for her Mystery Man... This is the original image I started with for the Mystery Man in my digital artpiece. Yup! - I made him into a png and created a variety of gents too; because every well dressed woman needs to accessorize accordingly. the original gent now as a png image Late 1700's Gentleman - Blue Sapphire This "blue" version was used in my digital art Late 1700's Gentleman - Emerald Green Late 1700's Gentleman - Brown Late 1700's Gentleman - Olive Late 1700's Gentleman -Navy Late 1700's Gentleman -Black Late 1700's Gentleman -Maroon The Frame Here is a true EKDuncan original. This is a digitally created composite frame. Digitally created composite frame I collect vintage frames and the old metal ones are my favorite. Some of them are not very impressive on their own; however with a bit of Photoshop magic I was able to create this fancy scroll frame using bits and pieces of several from my collection. The Narrow outside edge on the above is the actual frame I started with. I doubled it to created a smaller inside edge for a bit more flash. This left me with a nice frame but I took it one step further and added the "scroll" pattern inside; which is actually the side edge from another of my vintage frames. The Background The background is actually a Regency piece from the publication Ackermann's Repository. It is the grand staircase from Carlton House in London which was built in the early 1780's so it is from the correct time period as Marie Antoinette's Dress. This is the original image I started with to created my "Marie" background You can see this and other "Interior" Ackermann images HERE There are also months of postings on Regency Era images from Ackermann's Repository including Fashion Plates. See my Posts from July 2011 - January 2012 to see them all. ****** The Finished Digital Artpiece Here one more time is my EKDuncan digital artpiece; Showing Marie in "aqua blue", her gent in "blue sapphire", my created scroll frame and the Regency era background of the grand staircase at Carlton House from Ackermann's Repository. Marie Antoinette and her lover? - an EKDuncan Original ******** I'll be back with more Pre French Revolution Fashion plates from the time of Marie Antoinette soon. Till next time... FYI - if you are wondering about my new address at "EKDuncan.com" I recently purchased the domain EKDuncan.com and have tied my ekduncan.blogspot.com account to it. I figure since I sign my work EKDuncan this will make it easier for people to find me. Either address will get you here but "ekduncan.com" is short and sweet.

One of my favourite things about 18th century fashions are the fabrics, the colours and the prints. There’s a lot of lovely prints in this era, but one of the most common one is a simple stri…

I continue my series of antique French Fashion plates from the time of Maire Antoinette with a few examples of some of the more extreme fashions of the day. Most of us modern ladies think of historical clothing prior to the 1920's as being very conservative and buttoned up; however this is not always the case. Low cut bodices were very much in fashion for much of the 16th - 19th Centuries. Strange how it was permissible to expose so much of ones bosom in public yet exposing ones shoulders would have been too risque'. Many fashionable women in the late 18th century even went so far as to expose one or both nipples on occasion; or their bodice was cut so low that with the slightest movement a nipple might make a surprise appearance. Now mind you the woman would act just slightly shocked at the occurrence but it was well known that by wearing gowns of that "cut" it was bound to happen. I can just image the men of the day placing bets as to when Madam X's nipple(s) would appear during a ball or supper. It must have been hilarious to watch. French Fashion plate from c1780 showing an exposed nipple Above is a French fashion plate from the 1780's showing just how low fashionable bodices had come. There is no question that the ladies nipple is indeed exposed. This is not a solo fashion plate. I have several that show exposed nipples from this same time period and others where a majority of the breast is exposed even if the nipple is not obvious to see. This extreme fashion was not only in France but to some extent in England and other progressive European countries. Not all women went as far as to expose their nipple(s), others chose only to allow the areolae to be visible and those more modest, would allow the bodice to come just to but not quite expose the that much of their charms. Any way you look at it, showing cleavage or one's décolletage was an acceptable fashion statement of the day. The question was not would you show cleavage but "how low will you go"? ***** I thought it would be interesting to post about some of the more daring fashions from this time of Marie Antoinette (the late 1770's through the late 1780's) that show how low the bodices could be. Some do not blatantly expose the nipple(s) as seen in the above engraving; however in many of them on closer inspection you realize just how exposed they really are. Extreme "Naughty" French Fashions Exposed nipples are shown in these fashion plates Both nipples are exposed in this fashion plate (they are very pale but they are there) A slight lean over to the side and her left nipple is exposed Age did not seem to matter either - both nipples are exposed but she does wear a scarf. Both nipples are in plane sight in this fashion plate These could be "exposed" if not they are very close to giving a peep show Looks like her left nipple is exposed to me Same here - her left nipple appears to be peeking just above the lace This time I believe there is a hint of nipple above the lace on her right breast "Exposure" is just a question of time With a deep breath or a slight turn - everyone would be in for quite a surprise. Almost exposed but not quite. Just below the lace - so don't breath too deep if you don't want all revealed She looks as if she is tugging up her bodice but it's too low to hide for long Widows Weeds with a bit of flash, because there isn't much keeping her in that bodice Just dare me! Just a bit of lace keeping her charms under wraps I say she is a good candidate for a possible show and tell session later in in that gown Hidden behind a scrap of lace - but not for long by the looks of it Looks like she is loosing/winning the battle with her right breast I still love historical fashions yet I can't say that I would have been very comfortable exposing myself in any of these gowns. I probably would have dared to go fairly low but I would not wished to risk putting myself "all out there" if you know what I mean. Still I wanted to have a bit of fun with one of these fashion plates and chose to make the last on into a png and then proceeded to play with colors. Here are an assortment for you pleasure. The original turned into a png file Toned down version of the original Blue and Teal version Teal and Blue version Olive and Blue version Blue version Teal version Olive version Brown and Olive version Brown version Olive and Brown version Purple two-tone version Purple version I hope these "flashy" fashion plates from the late 18th century have given you a few grins and giggles; as they have me. Till the next set of fashion plates from the late 1700's... For more information on Décolletage see HERE Portrait of Princess Lamballe with exposed nipples can be seen HERE with an interesting discussion about it HERE And if you find this subject "titillating" you might also enjoy viewing a few other blog post like those found at Isis' Wardrobe - HERE or "The Naked Child in Art" from novelactivist.com found HERE

I've taken one of my favorite 1770's French fashion plates and converted her into a PNG image that now allows me to use her digitally in a variety of projects. I really like this particular image since it truly has that over the top Marie Antoinette look; with the big powdered hair, wide pannier skirts and all those ribbons and lace. Ooh La La. This post also includes several more French fashion plates from the late 18th Century as well as a variety of PNG images of this Ball Dress in several color combinations. Enjoy! High Style during the time of Maire Antoinette - digital art by EKDuncan I created this digital scene in Photshop using a vintage 1774 French fashion plate, an altered 1809 curtain from Ackermann's Repository, a photograph of an oriental carpet and a damask patterned background I'm using as wallpaper fro the scene. I also scanned in a fun frame so I could use it digitally to finish off my artwork. Here are some other Extravagant French Fashion Plates from the 1770's and 1780's 1776 French Fashion Plate - Style: Cirassienne "Robe a la Cirassienne" which is a version of the "Robe à la Polonaise". "Cirassienne" is a specific looking version of the "Polonaise". The Cirassienne has more elaborate decorations; specifically trim such as fur or tassels, which distinguish it from the typical Polonaise. 1779 French Fashion Plate "Un Grand Domino" A Domino was a large hooded cloak worn with an eye masque. This allowed a person's identity to remain private and were often worn to masquerades or any place a lady would not wish to be recognized. 1787 French Fashion Plate "Grande Robe a la Sultane" - in the style of a Sultan The bodice has a closed front. The skirt is drapped and tucked with knots and tassels. The headpiece is in a turban style c1774 French Fashion Plate This plate depicts Princess Marie Therese de Savoy dressed in a "Robe de Cour" - in Court Dress c1774 French Fashion Plate "Jeune Dame de Qualité en grande Robe coëffée" A Young Lady of Quality in a Grand Gown This last fashion plate is the one I used to create my PNG; which I then used in my digital artscene. I removed the background items to first create the PNG, then I had some fun changing the colors in Photoshop so that I had several choices to use later on. Here are the PNGs for this image This is the PNG in the original color combination Periwinkle Version - I used this version in my artwork Violet Version Green Version Turquoise Version Gold Version Silver Version Here again is another look at the digital artpiece I created using the periwinkle version of this fun fashion plate. My artscene using the 1774 fashion PNG in the new color I hope you are inspired to create some fun art of your own using some of these vintage fashion plate images. till next time...

I have a lovely assortment of French fashion plates from the years 1780-1782 for today's post and a new digital scene depicting one of those beauties. I've stated before that I'm drawn to fashion plates that show the back of a garment. I especially liked this 1780 dress in the "Robe à l'Anglaise" style, so today's digital scene was created using that lovely fashion plate but in a new teal color I created. On a previous post, I created a digital scene using another fashion plate showing the back of a gown; however that garment was in the style of "Robe à la Française" or Sack-Back. Since both scenes show the lady from the back you can check both to see the differences in these two styles. For more information on these styles click HERE "Garden Dreams" created using an altered 1780 French Fashion Plate I enjoy altering the colors on fashion plates and at the bottom of this post you will find a nice selection of the above lady in a nice variety of colors. Enjoy! 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Habit en Levite Some vintage styles like the Levite are a bit difficult to find information on. The best I can tell is that for it to be considered Levite the lines are straight (no poofs and swags in the skirt or overskirt), a sash at the waist and a shawl style collar with a bit of ruffle trim on it. For a glossary of French Fashion Terms - click HERE The blog "A Most Beguiling Accomplishment", has a nice post showing a variety of French fashion plates in the Levite style along with Cassidy's personal research on this style. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Cirassienne "Robe a la Cirassienne" which is a version of the "Robe à la Polonaise". "Cirassienne" is a specific looking version of the "Polonaise". The Cirassienne has more elaborate decorations; specifically trim such as fur or tassels, which distinguish it from the typical Polonaise. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite Note the lack of poofs and swags on this style and then the tied sash at the waist. The shawl style collar edged with lace also seems to denote the Levite style. 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite A Levite Pelisse trimmed with ermine fur - how luxurious. I believe this to be a mourning costume. 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Polonaise This plate description states the pelisse is grey and bordered in swan. I believe this also to be a mourning costume 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Grand Court (Mourning Dress) I previously posted this low bodice, mourning dress HERE "The Naughty Side of French Fashions"; but have included it once more since it is a mourning dress and I thought it should be shown with the other two pictured above. 1782 French Fashion Plate - Style: Robe a l'Anglaise Robe a l'Anglaise - (English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) For more information on this style click HERE 1782 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite Again we see straight lines with a lack of poofs and swags on this style. Their is an interesting twist in that the sash drapes across the bodice before being tied at the waist. The shawl style collar edged with lace also seems to denote the Levite style. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Robe a la Turque "Robe a la Turque" or in the Turkish style I'd like to reference the blog "A Most Beguiling Accomplishment" once more; however this time Cassidy's post is on the style "Robe a la Turque" *********** I took the above 1780 "Robe a la Turque" fashion plate, created a PNG and made several new color versions of her. PNG of Fashion Plate in the Original Color Scheme Rose Version Sapphire and Gold Version Emerald and Gold Version Mulberry & Teal Version Pink and Plum Version Violet Version Blue and Teal Version Green and Teal Version Teal Version Sable and Olive Version Pistachio Version Desert Rose Version I created my digital artwork using the Teal version of this lovely lady. "Garden Dreams" by EKDuncan 2012 The altered Teal fashion plate is the focus of my piece and the background was created by merging several photos together. I added a variety of filters and textures in Photoshop to the background images to give it that "dreamy" fairytale look. The above artpiece is the second part of a two part garden scene. Below is the first garden scene I created earlier this month - HERE. I chose to use the same background in a slightly different way so I could use together as a set of "paintings" for another digital project I'm thinking about. Garden Scene #1 from earlier this month I really have enjoyed creating these little framed gems and soon I'll be sharing another fun project of mine using them. I'll be back later with more late 18th Century French Fashions from the time of Marie Antoinette. till next time...

One of my favourite things about 18th century fashions are the fabrics, the colours and the prints. There’s a lot of lovely prints in this era, but one of the most common one is a simple stri…

I continue my series of antique French Fashion plates from the time of Maire Antoinette with a few examples of some of the more extreme fashions of the day. Most of us modern ladies think of historical clothing prior to the 1920's as being very conservative and buttoned up; however this is not always the case. Low cut bodices were very much in fashion for much of the 16th - 19th Centuries. Strange how it was permissible to expose so much of ones bosom in public yet exposing ones shoulders would have been too risque'. Many fashionable women in the late 18th century even went so far as to expose one or both nipples on occasion; or their bodice was cut so low that with the slightest movement a nipple might make a surprise appearance. Now mind you the woman would act just slightly shocked at the occurrence but it was well known that by wearing gowns of that "cut" it was bound to happen. I can just image the men of the day placing bets as to when Madam X's nipple(s) would appear during a ball or supper. It must have been hilarious to watch. French Fashion plate from c1780 showing an exposed nipple Above is a French fashion plate from the 1780's showing just how low fashionable bodices had come. There is no question that the ladies nipple is indeed exposed. This is not a solo fashion plate. I have several that show exposed nipples from this same time period and others where a majority of the breast is exposed even if the nipple is not obvious to see. This extreme fashion was not only in France but to some extent in England and other progressive European countries. Not all women went as far as to expose their nipple(s), others chose only to allow the areolae to be visible and those more modest, would allow the bodice to come just to but not quite expose the that much of their charms. Any way you look at it, showing cleavage or one's décolletage was an acceptable fashion statement of the day. The question was not would you show cleavage but "how low will you go"? ***** I thought it would be interesting to post about some of the more daring fashions from this time of Marie Antoinette (the late 1770's through the late 1780's) that show how low the bodices could be. Some do not blatantly expose the nipple(s) as seen in the above engraving; however in many of them on closer inspection you realize just how exposed they really are. Extreme "Naughty" French Fashions Exposed nipples are shown in these fashion plates Both nipples are exposed in this fashion plate (they are very pale but they are there) A slight lean over to the side and her left nipple is exposed Age did not seem to matter either - both nipples are exposed but she does wear a scarf. Both nipples are in plane sight in this fashion plate These could be "exposed" if not they are very close to giving a peep show Looks like her left nipple is exposed to me Same here - her left nipple appears to be peeking just above the lace This time I believe there is a hint of nipple above the lace on her right breast "Exposure" is just a question of time With a deep breath or a slight turn - everyone would be in for quite a surprise. Almost exposed but not quite. Just below the lace - so don't breath too deep if you don't want all revealed She looks as if she is tugging up her bodice but it's too low to hide for long Widows Weeds with a bit of flash, because there isn't much keeping her in that bodice Just dare me! Just a bit of lace keeping her charms under wraps I say she is a good candidate for a possible show and tell session later in in that gown Hidden behind a scrap of lace - but not for long by the looks of it Looks like she is loosing/winning the battle with her right breast I still love historical fashions yet I can't say that I would have been very comfortable exposing myself in any of these gowns. I probably would have dared to go fairly low but I would not wished to risk putting myself "all out there" if you know what I mean. Still I wanted to have a bit of fun with one of these fashion plates and chose to make the last on into a png and then proceeded to play with colors. Here are an assortment for you pleasure. The original turned into a png file Toned down version of the original Blue and Teal version Teal and Blue version Olive and Blue version Blue version Teal version Olive version Brown and Olive version Brown version Olive and Brown version Purple two-tone version Purple version I hope these "flashy" fashion plates from the late 18th century have given you a few grins and giggles; as they have me. Till the next set of fashion plates from the late 1700's... For more information on Décolletage see HERE Portrait of Princess Lamballe with exposed nipples can be seen HERE with an interesting discussion about it HERE And if you find this subject "titillating" you might also enjoy viewing a few other blog post like those found at Isis' Wardrobe - HERE or "The Naked Child in Art" from novelactivist.com found HERE

NOPE In our modern world there is much of the past that has been obscured. Looking through the lens of time, especially when you have to peer through the film of the Victorian era, the ways of the past get hazy, sometimes completely lost. We lose

I continue my series of antique French Fashion plates from the time of Maire Antoinette with a few examples of some of the more extreme fashions of the day. Most of us modern ladies think of historical clothing prior to the 1920's as being very conservative and buttoned up; however this is not always the case. Low cut bodices were very much in fashion for much of the 16th - 19th Centuries. Strange how it was permissible to expose so much of ones bosom in public yet exposing ones shoulders would have been too risque'. Many fashionable women in the late 18th century even went so far as to expose one or both nipples on occasion; or their bodice was cut so low that with the slightest movement a nipple might make a surprise appearance. Now mind you the woman would act just slightly shocked at the occurrence but it was well known that by wearing gowns of that "cut" it was bound to happen. I can just image the men of the day placing bets as to when Madam X's nipple(s) would appear during a ball or supper. It must have been hilarious to watch. French Fashion plate from c1780 showing an exposed nipple Above is a French fashion plate from the 1780's showing just how low fashionable bodices had come. There is no question that the ladies nipple is indeed exposed. This is not a solo fashion plate. I have several that show exposed nipples from this same time period and others where a majority of the breast is exposed even if the nipple is not obvious to see. This extreme fashion was not only in France but to some extent in England and other progressive European countries. Not all women went as far as to expose their nipple(s), others chose only to allow the areolae to be visible and those more modest, would allow the bodice to come just to but not quite expose the that much of their charms. Any way you look at it, showing cleavage or one's décolletage was an acceptable fashion statement of the day. The question was not would you show cleavage but "how low will you go"? ***** I thought it would be interesting to post about some of the more daring fashions from this time of Marie Antoinette (the late 1770's through the late 1780's) that show how low the bodices could be. Some do not blatantly expose the nipple(s) as seen in the above engraving; however in many of them on closer inspection you realize just how exposed they really are. Extreme "Naughty" French Fashions Exposed nipples are shown in these fashion plates Both nipples are exposed in this fashion plate (they are very pale but they are there) A slight lean over to the side and her left nipple is exposed Age did not seem to matter either - both nipples are exposed but she does wear a scarf. Both nipples are in plane sight in this fashion plate These could be "exposed" if not they are very close to giving a peep show Looks like her left nipple is exposed to me Same here - her left nipple appears to be peeking just above the lace This time I believe there is a hint of nipple above the lace on her right breast "Exposure" is just a question of time With a deep breath or a slight turn - everyone would be in for quite a surprise. Almost exposed but not quite. Just below the lace - so don't breath too deep if you don't want all revealed She looks as if she is tugging up her bodice but it's too low to hide for long Widows Weeds with a bit of flash, because there isn't much keeping her in that bodice Just dare me! Just a bit of lace keeping her charms under wraps I say she is a good candidate for a possible show and tell session later in in that gown Hidden behind a scrap of lace - but not for long by the looks of it Looks like she is loosing/winning the battle with her right breast I still love historical fashions yet I can't say that I would have been very comfortable exposing myself in any of these gowns. I probably would have dared to go fairly low but I would not wished to risk putting myself "all out there" if you know what I mean. Still I wanted to have a bit of fun with one of these fashion plates and chose to make the last on into a png and then proceeded to play with colors. Here are an assortment for you pleasure. The original turned into a png file Toned down version of the original Blue and Teal version Teal and Blue version Olive and Blue version Blue version Teal version Olive version Brown and Olive version Brown version Olive and Brown version Purple two-tone version Purple version I hope these "flashy" fashion plates from the late 18th century have given you a few grins and giggles; as they have me. Till the next set of fashion plates from the late 1700's... For more information on Décolletage see HERE Portrait of Princess Lamballe with exposed nipples can be seen HERE with an interesting discussion about it HERE And if you find this subject "titillating" you might also enjoy viewing a few other blog post like those found at Isis' Wardrobe - HERE or "The Naked Child in Art" from novelactivist.com found HERE

Artwork and Inspirations by Evelyn Kennedy Duncan

I have a lovely assortment of French fashion plates from the years 1780-1782 for today's post and a new digital scene depicting one of those beauties. I've stated before that I'm drawn to fashion plates that show the back of a garment. I especially liked this 1780 dress in the "Robe à l'Anglaise" style, so today's digital scene was created using that lovely fashion plate but in a new teal color I created. On a previous post, I created a digital scene using another fashion plate showing the back of a gown; however that garment was in the style of "Robe à la Française" or Sack-Back. Since both scenes show the lady from the back you can check both to see the differences in these two styles. For more information on these styles click HERE "Garden Dreams" created using an altered 1780 French Fashion Plate I enjoy altering the colors on fashion plates and at the bottom of this post you will find a nice selection of the above lady in a nice variety of colors. Enjoy! 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Habit en Levite Some vintage styles like the Levite are a bit difficult to find information on. The best I can tell is that for it to be considered Levite the lines are straight (no poofs and swags in the skirt or overskirt), a sash at the waist and a shawl style collar with a bit of ruffle trim on it. For a glossary of French Fashion Terms - click HERE The blog "A Most Beguiling Accomplishment", has a nice post showing a variety of French fashion plates in the Levite style along with Cassidy's personal research on this style. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Cirassienne "Robe a la Cirassienne" which is a version of the "Robe à la Polonaise". "Cirassienne" is a specific looking version of the "Polonaise". The Cirassienne has more elaborate decorations; specifically trim such as fur or tassels, which distinguish it from the typical Polonaise. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite Note the lack of poofs and swags on this style and then the tied sash at the waist. The shawl style collar edged with lace also seems to denote the Levite style. 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite A Levite Pelisse trimmed with ermine fur - how luxurious. I believe this to be a mourning costume. 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Polonaise This plate description states the pelisse is grey and bordered in swan. I believe this also to be a mourning costume 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Grand Court (Mourning Dress) I previously posted this low bodice, mourning dress HERE "The Naughty Side of French Fashions"; but have included it once more since it is a mourning dress and I thought it should be shown with the other two pictured above. 1782 French Fashion Plate - Style: Robe a l'Anglaise Robe a l'Anglaise - (English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) For more information on this style click HERE 1782 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite Again we see straight lines with a lack of poofs and swags on this style. Their is an interesting twist in that the sash drapes across the bodice before being tied at the waist. The shawl style collar edged with lace also seems to denote the Levite style. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Robe a la Turque "Robe a la Turque" or in the Turkish style I'd like to reference the blog "A Most Beguiling Accomplishment" once more; however this time Cassidy's post is on the style "Robe a la Turque" *********** I took the above 1780 "Robe a la Turque" fashion plate, created a PNG and made several new color versions of her. PNG of Fashion Plate in the Original Color Scheme Rose Version Sapphire and Gold Version Emerald and Gold Version Mulberry & Teal Version Pink and Plum Version Violet Version Blue and Teal Version Green and Teal Version Teal Version Sable and Olive Version Pistachio Version Desert Rose Version I created my digital artwork using the Teal version of this lovely lady. "Garden Dreams" by EKDuncan 2012 The altered Teal fashion plate is the focus of my piece and the background was created by merging several photos together. I added a variety of filters and textures in Photoshop to the background images to give it that "dreamy" fairytale look. The above artpiece is the second part of a two part garden scene. Below is the first garden scene I created earlier this month - HERE. I chose to use the same background in a slightly different way so I could use together as a set of "paintings" for another digital project I'm thinking about. Garden Scene #1 from earlier this month I really have enjoyed creating these little framed gems and soon I'll be sharing another fun project of mine using them. I'll be back later with more late 18th Century French Fashions from the time of Marie Antoinette. till next time...

I love vintage fashion plates; however I have a special fondness for those that are in something other than the traditional frontal view. Previously I've shown many that exhibit the "back side" of the garment or the character is in motion such as pulling up one's stockings. Occasionally, I come across a fashion plate where the figure is sitting down and comes with a complete set of accompanying furnishings. Sadly many of the vintage fashion plates I have that show a seated figure only shows part of the furniture; which limits how that image can be used in a new digital scene. Today I get to showcase a piece of digital art using one of the rarer "furniture intact" seated, fashion plate images along; with a nice variety of French fashion plates from the years 1784-1787. These plates recap many of the styles I've previously posted about as well as one new one "The Pierrot"; and then at the end of the post I have a lovely assortment of PNG for the "Tea Lady". Enjoy! "Taking Time for Tea" - using an altered French fashion plate lady from 1784 It is so much fun to create digitally when using a furniture intact, fashion image; and I've created a "Tea Time" vignette using one such French fashion plate from the 1780's. The original version of this image had her in a very lovely pink ensemble; however I choose to use one of my color adaptations for my finished scene. This spring green gown gave the final scene a peaceful appearance as it coordinated so well with the greenery seen through the windows. French Fashion Plates from 1783-1787 1783 Grand Domino French Fashion Plate from the 1912 re printed edition of Galleria des Modes French fashion plates known as the Galleria des Modes collection have been printed and re-printed several times over their history. There are even black and white uncolored versions of these plates. The above fashion plate #170 is from a 1912 reprinted version of the original plate where the below plate 252 is an earlier printing from the 1700's showing the original color scheme. To find out more about duplicate versions see my post on fashion plates with different looks 1783 Grand Domino French Fashion plate from Galleria des Modes Personally I prefer this older version when comparing the two but it is interesting to see how much the colors on the fashion plate were altered in the later 1912 rendition. Considering it is unusual to come across a fashion plate of a Domino; I wanted to show both versions here. Another "Domino" can be seen HERE (she is the seated lady in yellow). A Domino was a large hooded cloak worn with an eye masque. This allowed a person's identity to remain private and were often worn to masquerades or any place a lady would not wish to be recognized. 1783 Grand Robe a la Francoise - French Fashion Plate In the style of "Robe à la Française" or Sack-Back dress. (Francaise = French version with the wide Pannier hoops and the long draped back) This particular fashion plate states it is "Grand" so this would be a more elaborate version of this style For more on 18th century fashion styles - click HERE 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate This dress is in the style of "Robe à l'Anglaise" (Anglaise = English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) The a l'Anglaise style was rarely worn with pannier hoops; however I believe this fashion plate may be an exception to that rule based on how wide it is. For more information on this and other late 18th century styles click HERE 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (Back and side view) This dress is in the style of "Robe à l'Anglaise" as seen from the side and back. (Anglaise = English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) I like this fashion plate since we get to see the garment from the back and we get the added interest of the model holding her dog. How cute is that? 1785 Walking Dress and Siberian Sheepskin Muff - French Fashion Plate - 1912 version This is another example of two fashion plates printed at different times. The above plate is a 1912 reprint version from Galleria des modes and the below plate is a much earlier 1700 version of the same. 1785 Walking Dress and Siberian Sheepskin Muff - French Fashion Plate - Original It's just fun to compare different versions of the same fashion plate when available. Once again, I believe I like this older version of this Galleria des Modes fashion plate. This style also depicts a shorter hemline with a bit of ankles showing. Another of my posts with other shorter skirts can be seen HERE and my post on Stockings can be seen HERE 1786 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate with an extremely low bodice Yes, your eyes do not deceive you; this lady's "charms" are on display with this gown. Many fashionable women of this time period wore dresses that exposed a great deal of their breasts up to and including their nipples. Some women even had their portraits painted wearing such attire. If you find this style "titillating" I have a whole post dedicated to them - HERE 1786 1786 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (back view) I thought this plate was interesting in that we see a dress from the back but in a seated position and since the furniture piece appears in its entirety this image would be a good candidate for becoming a PNG to use in a scene. 1786 French Fashion Plate I choose to show this plate since I loved the funky shoes she is wearing. It's a bit of an odd outfit as if dutch girl meets peasant Irish lass; however I believe she is wearing a "caraco". Caraco - A bodice style with the look of a fitted jacket that has a peplum skirting effect to it. Visit - American Duchess blog HERE to see a few examples of this style and if you notice one of them is so low a ladies breasts would have been exposed, as some like to do during this time. (this blog is also a great place to visit and see all the historical costume posts) 1787 Pierrot French Fashion Plate - back view The Pierrot style has a shaped bodice/jacket with a flared peplum or ruffled "tail". This style of jacket became popular in the 1780's and 1790's. I loved the whimsy of this garment and since it is a back view that was just a bonus for me. 1787 Pierrot French Fashion Plate - front and side view Another look at the Pierrot style from the front with a cat and dog bonus. An example of this style can be seen at the Met - HERE The Dreamstress has a nice article on the Pierrot at her blog that can be seen HERE Her blog looks quite interesting and I look forward to "browsing around" it when I get the chance. 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (front/side seated view) Robe a l'Anglaise - (English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) For more information on this style click HERE ********** This "Tea Time Lady" is the image I used to create the PNG for my artpiece at the beginning of the post. I've created her in several color combinations for your crafting pleasure. Tea Lady PNGs PNG in the original color scheme Lilac Version Periwinkle Version Green Version - used in artpiece Aqua Version Gold Version Rose Version It must have been something to sit around in a pretty frock enjoying a cup of tea. For a lady of quality "Tea Time" was an event unlike today where we grab a cup on the run. How much more relaxing and enjoyable not to mention elegant was having tea years ago. I wonder what she might be thinking about as she enjoys her tea? I know it's not about the state of the economy or finding a job. Maybe she is trying to figure out what new fashion fun Marie Antoinette will be up to next. What to you think she is contemplating over her perfect brew? "Taking Time for Tea" - using an altered French fashion plate lady from 1784 I used my altered "green" version of the pretty lady for this Photoshop created scene. The background was created by inserting a few interesting photos. (a wall of windows in an old house showing a wooded lot and another photo of an oriental carpet). I liked the reflection that was in the "window photo" I used; and by adjusting the opacity just right in Photoshop I was able to get the dappled sunlight to appear on the carpet. This was a really fun project for me and I love the way it came out. *********** I've got a high tech project using some of my "framed scenes" coming up next time; so I hope you'll drop back by and see what I've been up too. I get to enjoy the results every day and I hope some of you will be able to enjoy using them too. till next time...

I love the fancy French ball gowns and elaborate fashions from the time of Marie Antoinette; so. I thought I'd post an interesting mix of Court Dresses and Elaborate Theatrical Costumes today. I've also created another of my digital artpieces, using my favorite fashion in this post; along with an assortment of colorized versions of this beautiful Court Dress depicting Marie Antoinette's close friend for your own crafting pleasure. I hope you enjoy them all! "Princess at the Palace" by EKDuncan 2012 The lady used for my artpiece is actually the Princess Marie Louise of Savoy; devoted friend and confidant of Marie Antoinette. You can read a bit about her HERE. I created a stately background for her using a photo from an Opera house in Europe and putting in an oriental carpet at her feet. Using some filters and textures in Photoshop allowed enough alteration to reduce the realistic look of both pieces so they blended in better with my subject. The Princess appears in an EKD altered blue colored gown for this piece. Elaborate French Fashions of the 1770's 1778 French Fashion Plate This dress is listed as "Grande Robe de Ceremonie a Panie" (Grand Ceremony Dress with Paniers) c1774 French Fashion Plate of the Queen of France Marie Antoinette in Robe de Cour (Court Dress) I previously posted about this fashion plate HERE (There are PNG's in various color combinations for this dress at that link) 1779 French Fashion Plate This fashion plate depicts a Court Lady's Costume during the reign of Louis XVI at the Queens Ball representing a character from a play called the Battle of Ivry of (1774-1776) (Sorry I don't know French so that's the best translation I can come up with for this plate. I'm not sure if this is a theatrical costume or if it was what one of the court ladies wore to one of Marie's costume balls as if dressing up as one of the characters from that play.) Either way it's a very elaborate costume and fun to look at. French Fashion Plate from 1779 Depicting a "Barber of Seville" Theatrical Costume from 1775. Since this fashion plate was produced in 1779 I'm not sure if it was showing a line of Theatrical Costumes, similar to the Opera Costumes I posted about HERE in my "Dancing Marie" series or if they were creative costume ideas for ladies who were looking to go to a fancy dress ball? I'm sure the ladies of the day found them most entertaining either way. 1779 French Fashion Plate This is a theatrical costume for a comedy that was popular at the time. This dress is quite elaborate and in a similar style to match the fashions of the time. When I look at this plate I can't help but think of that scene from the Carrol Burnett Show where she plays Scarlett in "Gone with the Wind" and rips the curtains off the window to make a dress. This red portion of the dress does look a bit like heavy velvet drapes, fringe, tassels and all - don't you think? 1774 French Fashion Plate This fashion plate shows the Princess Marie Louise, friend and confident to Marie Antoinette in "Robe de Cour" aka Court Dress and is from 1774 This is the fashion plate I chose to use in my digital creation. I removed the background and cleaned up the edges of the dress a bit to make my PNG image; then I made a collection of them in a variety of colors to play with. These are the PNGs I created of this fashion plate. EKDuncan PNG of the original color version EKDuncan Blue Version EKDuncan Green Version EKDuncan Yellow Version EKDuncan Rose Version EKDuncan Purple Version EKDuncan Silver Blue Version EKDuncan Lilac Version EKDuncan Silver Version I just love all the pretty colors of this image - it looks like spring in full bloom ***** Here again is my finished digital artpiece using the Blue altered version. "Princess at the Palace" - Princess Marie Louise, devoted friend and confidant of Marie Antoinette This digital scene can now be used as a "painting" in a different piece of digital artwork should the need arise. I love art that does double duty! I still have several more Marie Antoinette style fashions to post so till next time...

I adore vintage fashions and am especially intrigued by those items not usually seen in old fashion plates such as undergarments. I was thrilled to come across an interesting fashion plate from the 1770 - 1780's showing quite a bit of the ladies stocking and the ribbon garter she is about to use to anchor her legwear back in place. Naturally I wanted to have a bit of fun with the image, so I created this fun scene showing her trying to entice her escort in a peek. "Trying not to Peek" by EKDuncan using vintage 18th century fashion plates A bit about 18th Century Stockings Since undergarments aka "unmentionables" were not freely discussed or shown in print for polite society there seems to be a bit of speculation about where a lady would "tie" her stockings. Stocking length of a few inches above the knee seems to be the general concensus on the correct length for a ladies stocking; it is the point of where the garter was placed that seems to be in question. It is widely believed that women used a buckled garter of some type, or a ribbon to tie their stockings off, just below the knee or possibly just above knee. My guess is a lady would "tie off" at the place that was the most comfortable and that which had the least amount of risk for letting the stocking fall about her feet as she moved about. Anchoring just below the knee was a benefit since the calf is generally the larger part of the lower leg and by tying off the stocking just below the knee; the fleshy part of the calf would assist in keeping the stocking from dropping below that point. Anchoring above the knee would require a tighter tying off of the stocking so it would not easily drop or slide below the knee; however if a stocking was not well "fitted" to your leg this method would have had a greater chance of falling out of place. My vote would be for placing my garter below the knee; since this would allow the best chance that my stockings would not drop to the ground as I walked or moved about. Risque images and paintings of the time generally show a ladies stocking being tied off just above the knee or slightly higher. It is possible that artists did this for the titillation factor of showing more leg rather than to depict the historically accurate placement of a ladies stocking garter. Elastic and spandax type materials did not exist at this time. Knit stockings relaxed and stretched as you moved around causing them to shift which is why garters were required. Without the advantage of elasticized garters like those decoratively worn in weddings today; the 18th century garter was usually a tied piece of ribbon or a buckling strap made from leather or decorated cloth. Note - It was not till laterer in Victorian times that ladies stockings covered higher into the thigh area due to the garters extending down from the corset itself rather than encircling a ladies leg. Attaching stockings to a garter belt would be the most modern version us 21st century ladies would be familiar with; but this was not the case prior to Victorian times - just in case you were wondering. Here are a few artistic images showing a ladies stockings and garters from the 18th century. Jean-Honoré Fragonard - The Swing 1767 We get a glimpse of ladies stocking, tied off with a ribbon just above the knee. This is actually a very provocative painting for the period. Notice where the gent is sitting and just imagine what kind of view he has. (remember during this period in time women did not wear undies, bloomers, pantaloons... I think you get the picture. - grins) Francois Boucher-La Toilette - Garter 1742 In the above painting we see a lady tying off her stocking above the knee with a ribbon. Notice she does this in a double wrap style around her leg. Here again this is an artist interpretation of a lady at her toilette. She is dressing for the day since she still wears a bed jacket and I don't know about you but I don't think I'd put my shoes on before tying up my stockings. I have to assume a bit of the titillation factor was the point of this piece considering the provocative placement of her legs and that she already has her heels on. Close up of the Stockings and shoes from the above painting "La Toilette" by Francois Boucher My previous post "Showing a Bit of Ankle" has several fashion plates where the hemline on the dresses are at or above the ankle. Due to this fashion trend of shorter skirts; stockings and shoes became a more noticeable fashion accessory. More care was taken with these items since they were easily viewed due to the shorter skirts and considerably more money was spent in acquiring these items. Generally a lady would have worn white stockings or those in a color that matched her ensemble. Pastels such as pink and powder blue were very much in favor. William Hogarth - A Rake's Progress - The Rose Tavern a brothel in Covent Gardens This is a part of the painting showing one of the "working girls" with her skirts pulled back showing her garter and stockings. These show stockings tied off above the knee as well as a bit of exposed thigh to tease the viewer. (If you are wondering about the "patches" on her face - patches were commonly used during this time period for a bit of fun and to add beauty marks. They were also frequently used to disguise marks on a person caused by "the pox" aka syphilis - which was a very common STD in the 18th - 19th century, especially for prostitutes. It was also one of the top killers of men at the time.) On a brighter note - Notice the decoration on her stockings these are referred to as "clocks" and were an expensive addition to have on your stockings. These probably cost her dearly and so she continues to wear them even-though they have holes and tears in them. Mid 18th century Stockings with "clocks", Shoes and French Buckles - Bata Shoe Museum Toronto Here is an example of actual stockings with fancy clocks as well as shoes and buckles from close to the time of Marie Antoinette. Notice the slightly "fitted" look of them in the calf area. This should have helped to keep the upper portion of these stockings from slipping below the the calf. I'm trying to spot evidence of where they would have tied off but I'm seeing the possibility in the areas both above the knee and below; however there seems to be a significant amount of creasing on the stocking tucked under the top one. Those bunched up creases just above the calf area could be from garter placement below the knee; but your guess is as good as mine if that is the case. *********** Now for the images I used to create my ArtScene "Trying Not to Peek" "Trying not to Peek" by EKDuncan using vintage 18th century fashion plates I used two french fashion plates from the late 18th Century to create my scene. Late 18th Century French Fashion Plate (I flipped and slightly altered this image to use in my scene) Striped stockings were a high fashion accessory for men at this time this fashion plate displays a gentleman all decked out in the latest without crossing the boundaries into being a "Peacock". Back in the times of Marie Antoinette a man of extreme fashion would have been called a "Macaroni" the equivalent in the Regency would have been a "Dandy". For the most part in either time period a man who was refereed to as a "Peacock of Fashion" was also having his masculinity placed into question, so there was a fine line between being a man of fashion and being a peacock. French Fashion Plate showing a lady about to tie her stockings in place with a ribbon This is the original late 18th century fashion plate I started with to create the lady in my "Take a Peek" scene. I removed her background and then created a variety of color options to play with. Here are several png colorized versions I created using the above image. (Notice the stocking color changes to match each outfit) png version of the original fashion plate EKD Periwinkle Version EKD Rose Version EKD Green Version - used in the scene EKD - Purple Version EKD - Blue Version with Green Feathers EKD - Grey Version with Purple Feathers I hope you have enjoyed my take on stockings during this time period as well as this great image that shows quite a bit of leg for a fashion plate of its day. I'll be back a little later on with more great French Fashion plates from the time of Marie Antoinette. Till then...

Robe de Cour with hoop, trimmed with dotted ermine. - Galerie des Modes, 3e Cahier de Grandes Robes d’Etiquette, 1ere Figure

Era of the Rococo. Fashion and costume in the 18th century. The Farthingale. Caraco à l'française. Costume de Bal. Robe Ronde. The Pourpoint.

I love vintage fashion plates; however I have a special fondness for those that are in something other than the traditional frontal view. Previously I've shown many that exhibit the "back side" of the garment or the character is in motion such as pulling up one's stockings. Occasionally, I come across a fashion plate where the figure is sitting down and comes with a complete set of accompanying furnishings. Sadly many of the vintage fashion plates I have that show a seated figure only shows part of the furniture; which limits how that image can be used in a new digital scene. Today I get to showcase a piece of digital art using one of the rarer "furniture intact" seated, fashion plate images along; with a nice variety of French fashion plates from the years 1784-1787. These plates recap many of the styles I've previously posted about as well as one new one "The Pierrot"; and then at the end of the post I have a lovely assortment of PNG for the "Tea Lady". Enjoy! "Taking Time for Tea" - using an altered French fashion plate lady from 1784 It is so much fun to create digitally when using a furniture intact, fashion image; and I've created a "Tea Time" vignette using one such French fashion plate from the 1780's. The original version of this image had her in a very lovely pink ensemble; however I choose to use one of my color adaptations for my finished scene. This spring green gown gave the final scene a peaceful appearance as it coordinated so well with the greenery seen through the windows. French Fashion Plates from 1783-1787 1783 Grand Domino French Fashion Plate from the 1912 re printed edition of Galleria des Modes French fashion plates known as the Galleria des Modes collection have been printed and re-printed several times over their history. There are even black and white uncolored versions of these plates. The above fashion plate #170 is from a 1912 reprinted version of the original plate where the below plate 252 is an earlier printing from the 1700's showing the original color scheme. To find out more about duplicate versions see my post on fashion plates with different looks 1783 Grand Domino French Fashion plate from Galleria des Modes Personally I prefer this older version when comparing the two but it is interesting to see how much the colors on the fashion plate were altered in the later 1912 rendition. Considering it is unusual to come across a fashion plate of a Domino; I wanted to show both versions here. Another "Domino" can be seen HERE (she is the seated lady in yellow). A Domino was a large hooded cloak worn with an eye masque. This allowed a person's identity to remain private and were often worn to masquerades or any place a lady would not wish to be recognized. 1783 Grand Robe a la Francoise - French Fashion Plate In the style of "Robe à la Française" or Sack-Back dress. (Francaise = French version with the wide Pannier hoops and the long draped back) This particular fashion plate states it is "Grand" so this would be a more elaborate version of this style For more on 18th century fashion styles - click HERE 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate This dress is in the style of "Robe à l'Anglaise" (Anglaise = English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) The a l'Anglaise style was rarely worn with pannier hoops; however I believe this fashion plate may be an exception to that rule based on how wide it is. For more information on this and other late 18th century styles click HERE 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (Back and side view) This dress is in the style of "Robe à l'Anglaise" as seen from the side and back. (Anglaise = English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) I like this fashion plate since we get to see the garment from the back and we get the added interest of the model holding her dog. How cute is that? 1785 Walking Dress and Siberian Sheepskin Muff - French Fashion Plate - 1912 version This is another example of two fashion plates printed at different times. The above plate is a 1912 reprint version from Galleria des modes and the below plate is a much earlier 1700 version of the same. 1785 Walking Dress and Siberian Sheepskin Muff - French Fashion Plate - Original It's just fun to compare different versions of the same fashion plate when available. Once again, I believe I like this older version of this Galleria des Modes fashion plate. This style also depicts a shorter hemline with a bit of ankles showing. Another of my posts with other shorter skirts can be seen HERE and my post on Stockings can be seen HERE 1786 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate with an extremely low bodice Yes, your eyes do not deceive you; this lady's "charms" are on display with this gown. Many fashionable women of this time period wore dresses that exposed a great deal of their breasts up to and including their nipples. Some women even had their portraits painted wearing such attire. If you find this style "titillating" I have a whole post dedicated to them - HERE 1786 1786 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (back view) I thought this plate was interesting in that we see a dress from the back but in a seated position and since the furniture piece appears in its entirety this image would be a good candidate for becoming a PNG to use in a scene. 1786 French Fashion Plate I choose to show this plate since I loved the funky shoes she is wearing. It's a bit of an odd outfit as if dutch girl meets peasant Irish lass; however I believe she is wearing a "caraco". Caraco - A bodice style with the look of a fitted jacket that has a peplum skirting effect to it. Visit - American Duchess blog HERE to see a few examples of this style and if you notice one of them is so low a ladies breasts would have been exposed, as some like to do during this time. (this blog is also a great place to visit and see all the historical costume posts) 1787 Pierrot French Fashion Plate - back view The Pierrot style has a shaped bodice/jacket with a flared peplum or ruffled "tail". This style of jacket became popular in the 1780's and 1790's. I loved the whimsy of this garment and since it is a back view that was just a bonus for me. 1787 Pierrot French Fashion Plate - front and side view Another look at the Pierrot style from the front with a cat and dog bonus. An example of this style can be seen at the Met - HERE The Dreamstress has a nice article on the Pierrot at her blog that can be seen HERE Her blog looks quite interesting and I look forward to "browsing around" it when I get the chance. 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (front/side seated view) Robe a l'Anglaise - (English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) For more information on this style click HERE ********** This "Tea Time Lady" is the image I used to create the PNG for my artpiece at the beginning of the post. I've created her in several color combinations for your crafting pleasure. Tea Lady PNGs PNG in the original color scheme Lilac Version Periwinkle Version Green Version - used in artpiece Aqua Version Gold Version Rose Version It must have been something to sit around in a pretty frock enjoying a cup of tea. For a lady of quality "Tea Time" was an event unlike today where we grab a cup on the run. How much more relaxing and enjoyable not to mention elegant was having tea years ago. I wonder what she might be thinking about as she enjoys her tea? I know it's not about the state of the economy or finding a job. Maybe she is trying to figure out what new fashion fun Marie Antoinette will be up to next. What to you think she is contemplating over her perfect brew? "Taking Time for Tea" - using an altered French fashion plate lady from 1784 I used my altered "green" version of the pretty lady for this Photoshop created scene. The background was created by inserting a few interesting photos. (a wall of windows in an old house showing a wooded lot and another photo of an oriental carpet). I liked the reflection that was in the "window photo" I used; and by adjusting the opacity just right in Photoshop I was able to get the dappled sunlight to appear on the carpet. This was a really fun project for me and I love the way it came out. *********** I've got a high tech project using some of my "framed scenes" coming up next time; so I hope you'll drop back by and see what I've been up too. I get to enjoy the results every day and I hope some of you will be able to enjoy using them too. till next time...

I continue my series of antique French Fashion plates from the time of Maire Antoinette with a few examples of some of the more extreme fashions of the day. Most of us modern ladies think of historical clothing prior to the 1920's as being very conservative and buttoned up; however this is not always the case. Low cut bodices were very much in fashion for much of the 16th - 19th Centuries. Strange how it was permissible to expose so much of ones bosom in public yet exposing ones shoulders would have been too risque'. Many fashionable women in the late 18th century even went so far as to expose one or both nipples on occasion; or their bodice was cut so low that with the slightest movement a nipple might make a surprise appearance. Now mind you the woman would act just slightly shocked at the occurrence but it was well known that by wearing gowns of that "cut" it was bound to happen. I can just image the men of the day placing bets as to when Madam X's nipple(s) would appear during a ball or supper. It must have been hilarious to watch. French Fashion plate from c1780 showing an exposed nipple Above is a French fashion plate from the 1780's showing just how low fashionable bodices had come. There is no question that the ladies nipple is indeed exposed. This is not a solo fashion plate. I have several that show exposed nipples from this same time period and others where a majority of the breast is exposed even if the nipple is not obvious to see. This extreme fashion was not only in France but to some extent in England and other progressive European countries. Not all women went as far as to expose their nipple(s), others chose only to allow the areolae to be visible and those more modest, would allow the bodice to come just to but not quite expose the that much of their charms. Any way you look at it, showing cleavage or one's décolletage was an acceptable fashion statement of the day. The question was not would you show cleavage but "how low will you go"? ***** I thought it would be interesting to post about some of the more daring fashions from this time of Marie Antoinette (the late 1770's through the late 1780's) that show how low the bodices could be. Some do not blatantly expose the nipple(s) as seen in the above engraving; however in many of them on closer inspection you realize just how exposed they really are. Extreme "Naughty" French Fashions Exposed nipples are shown in these fashion plates Both nipples are exposed in this fashion plate (they are very pale but they are there) A slight lean over to the side and her left nipple is exposed Age did not seem to matter either - both nipples are exposed but she does wear a scarf. Both nipples are in plane sight in this fashion plate These could be "exposed" if not they are very close to giving a peep show Looks like her left nipple is exposed to me Same here - her left nipple appears to be peeking just above the lace This time I believe there is a hint of nipple above the lace on her right breast "Exposure" is just a question of time With a deep breath or a slight turn - everyone would be in for quite a surprise. Almost exposed but not quite. Just below the lace - so don't breath too deep if you don't want all revealed She looks as if she is tugging up her bodice but it's too low to hide for long Widows Weeds with a bit of flash, because there isn't much keeping her in that bodice Just dare me! Just a bit of lace keeping her charms under wraps I say she is a good candidate for a possible show and tell session later in in that gown Hidden behind a scrap of lace - but not for long by the looks of it Looks like she is loosing/winning the battle with her right breast I still love historical fashions yet I can't say that I would have been very comfortable exposing myself in any of these gowns. I probably would have dared to go fairly low but I would not wished to risk putting myself "all out there" if you know what I mean. Still I wanted to have a bit of fun with one of these fashion plates and chose to make the last on into a png and then proceeded to play with colors. Here are an assortment for you pleasure. The original turned into a png file Toned down version of the original Blue and Teal version Teal and Blue version Olive and Blue version Blue version Teal version Olive version Brown and Olive version Brown version Olive and Brown version Purple two-tone version Purple version I hope these "flashy" fashion plates from the late 18th century have given you a few grins and giggles; as they have me. Till the next set of fashion plates from the late 1700's... For more information on Décolletage see HERE Portrait of Princess Lamballe with exposed nipples can be seen HERE with an interesting discussion about it HERE And if you find this subject "titillating" you might also enjoy viewing a few other blog post like those found at Isis' Wardrobe - HERE or "The Naked Child in Art" from novelactivist.com found HERE

I love vintage fashion plates; however I have a special fondness for those that are in something other than the traditional frontal view. Previously I've shown many that exhibit the "back side" of the garment or the character is in motion such as pulling up one's stockings. Occasionally, I come across a fashion plate where the figure is sitting down and comes with a complete set of accompanying furnishings. Sadly many of the vintage fashion plates I have that show a seated figure only shows part of the furniture; which limits how that image can be used in a new digital scene. Today I get to showcase a piece of digital art using one of the rarer "furniture intact" seated, fashion plate images along; with a nice variety of French fashion plates from the years 1784-1787. These plates recap many of the styles I've previously posted about as well as one new one "The Pierrot"; and then at the end of the post I have a lovely assortment of PNG for the "Tea Lady". Enjoy! "Taking Time for Tea" - using an altered French fashion plate lady from 1784 It is so much fun to create digitally when using a furniture intact, fashion image; and I've created a "Tea Time" vignette using one such French fashion plate from the 1780's. The original version of this image had her in a very lovely pink ensemble; however I choose to use one of my color adaptations for my finished scene. This spring green gown gave the final scene a peaceful appearance as it coordinated so well with the greenery seen through the windows. French Fashion Plates from 1783-1787 1783 Grand Domino French Fashion Plate from the 1912 re printed edition of Galleria des Modes French fashion plates known as the Galleria des Modes collection have been printed and re-printed several times over their history. There are even black and white uncolored versions of these plates. The above fashion plate #170 is from a 1912 reprinted version of the original plate where the below plate 252 is an earlier printing from the 1700's showing the original color scheme. To find out more about duplicate versions see my post on fashion plates with different looks 1783 Grand Domino French Fashion plate from Galleria des Modes Personally I prefer this older version when comparing the two but it is interesting to see how much the colors on the fashion plate were altered in the later 1912 rendition. Considering it is unusual to come across a fashion plate of a Domino; I wanted to show both versions here. Another "Domino" can be seen HERE (she is the seated lady in yellow). A Domino was a large hooded cloak worn with an eye masque. This allowed a person's identity to remain private and were often worn to masquerades or any place a lady would not wish to be recognized. 1783 Grand Robe a la Francoise - French Fashion Plate In the style of "Robe à la Française" or Sack-Back dress. (Francaise = French version with the wide Pannier hoops and the long draped back) This particular fashion plate states it is "Grand" so this would be a more elaborate version of this style For more on 18th century fashion styles - click HERE 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate This dress is in the style of "Robe à l'Anglaise" (Anglaise = English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) The a l'Anglaise style was rarely worn with pannier hoops; however I believe this fashion plate may be an exception to that rule based on how wide it is. For more information on this and other late 18th century styles click HERE 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (Back and side view) This dress is in the style of "Robe à l'Anglaise" as seen from the side and back. (Anglaise = English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) I like this fashion plate since we get to see the garment from the back and we get the added interest of the model holding her dog. How cute is that? 1785 Walking Dress and Siberian Sheepskin Muff - French Fashion Plate - 1912 version This is another example of two fashion plates printed at different times. The above plate is a 1912 reprint version from Galleria des modes and the below plate is a much earlier 1700 version of the same. 1785 Walking Dress and Siberian Sheepskin Muff - French Fashion Plate - Original It's just fun to compare different versions of the same fashion plate when available. Once again, I believe I like this older version of this Galleria des Modes fashion plate. This style also depicts a shorter hemline with a bit of ankles showing. Another of my posts with other shorter skirts can be seen HERE and my post on Stockings can be seen HERE 1786 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate with an extremely low bodice Yes, your eyes do not deceive you; this lady's "charms" are on display with this gown. Many fashionable women of this time period wore dresses that exposed a great deal of their breasts up to and including their nipples. Some women even had their portraits painted wearing such attire. If you find this style "titillating" I have a whole post dedicated to them - HERE 1786 1786 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (back view) I thought this plate was interesting in that we see a dress from the back but in a seated position and since the furniture piece appears in its entirety this image would be a good candidate for becoming a PNG to use in a scene. 1786 French Fashion Plate I choose to show this plate since I loved the funky shoes she is wearing. It's a bit of an odd outfit as if dutch girl meets peasant Irish lass; however I believe she is wearing a "caraco". Caraco - A bodice style with the look of a fitted jacket that has a peplum skirting effect to it. Visit - American Duchess blog HERE to see a few examples of this style and if you notice one of them is so low a ladies breasts would have been exposed, as some like to do during this time. (this blog is also a great place to visit and see all the historical costume posts) 1787 Pierrot French Fashion Plate - back view The Pierrot style has a shaped bodice/jacket with a flared peplum or ruffled "tail". This style of jacket became popular in the 1780's and 1790's. I loved the whimsy of this garment and since it is a back view that was just a bonus for me. 1787 Pierrot French Fashion Plate - front and side view Another look at the Pierrot style from the front with a cat and dog bonus. An example of this style can be seen at the Met - HERE The Dreamstress has a nice article on the Pierrot at her blog that can be seen HERE Her blog looks quite interesting and I look forward to "browsing around" it when I get the chance. 1784 Robe a l'Anglaise - French Fashion Plate (front/side seated view) Robe a l'Anglaise - (English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) For more information on this style click HERE ********** This "Tea Time Lady" is the image I used to create the PNG for my artpiece at the beginning of the post. I've created her in several color combinations for your crafting pleasure. Tea Lady PNGs PNG in the original color scheme Lilac Version Periwinkle Version Green Version - used in artpiece Aqua Version Gold Version Rose Version It must have been something to sit around in a pretty frock enjoying a cup of tea. For a lady of quality "Tea Time" was an event unlike today where we grab a cup on the run. How much more relaxing and enjoyable not to mention elegant was having tea years ago. I wonder what she might be thinking about as she enjoys her tea? I know it's not about the state of the economy or finding a job. Maybe she is trying to figure out what new fashion fun Marie Antoinette will be up to next. What to you think she is contemplating over her perfect brew? "Taking Time for Tea" - using an altered French fashion plate lady from 1784 I used my altered "green" version of the pretty lady for this Photoshop created scene. The background was created by inserting a few interesting photos. (a wall of windows in an old house showing a wooded lot and another photo of an oriental carpet). I liked the reflection that was in the "window photo" I used; and by adjusting the opacity just right in Photoshop I was able to get the dappled sunlight to appear on the carpet. This was a really fun project for me and I love the way it came out. *********** I've got a high tech project using some of my "framed scenes" coming up next time; so I hope you'll drop back by and see what I've been up too. I get to enjoy the results every day and I hope some of you will be able to enjoy using them too. till next time...

Artwork and Inspirations by Evelyn Kennedy Duncan

I've taken one of my favorite 1770's French fashion plates and converted her into a PNG image that now allows me to use her digitally in a variety of projects. I really like this particular image since it truly has that over the top Marie Antoinette look; with the big powdered hair, wide pannier skirts and all those ribbons and lace. Ooh La La. This post also includes several more French fashion plates from the late 18th Century as well as a variety of PNG images of this Ball Dress in several color combinations. Enjoy! High Style during the time of Maire Antoinette - digital art by EKDuncan I created this digital scene in Photshop using a vintage 1774 French fashion plate, an altered 1809 curtain from Ackermann's Repository, a photograph of an oriental carpet and a damask patterned background I'm using as wallpaper fro the scene. I also scanned in a fun frame so I could use it digitally to finish off my artwork. Here are some other Extravagant French Fashion Plates from the 1770's and 1780's 1776 French Fashion Plate - Style: Cirassienne "Robe a la Cirassienne" which is a version of the "Robe à la Polonaise". "Cirassienne" is a specific looking version of the "Polonaise". The Cirassienne has more elaborate decorations; specifically trim such as fur or tassels, which distinguish it from the typical Polonaise. 1779 French Fashion Plate "Un Grand Domino" A Domino was a large hooded cloak worn with an eye masque. This allowed a person's identity to remain private and were often worn to masquerades or any place a lady would not wish to be recognized. 1787 French Fashion Plate "Grande Robe a la Sultane" - in the style of a Sultan The bodice has a closed front. The skirt is drapped and tucked with knots and tassels. The headpiece is in a turban style c1774 French Fashion Plate This plate depicts Princess Marie Therese de Savoy dressed in a "Robe de Cour" - in Court Dress c1774 French Fashion Plate "Jeune Dame de Qualité en grande Robe coëffée" A Young Lady of Quality in a Grand Gown This last fashion plate is the one I used to create my PNG; which I then used in my digital artscene. I removed the background items to first create the PNG, then I had some fun changing the colors in Photoshop so that I had several choices to use later on. Here are the PNGs for this image This is the PNG in the original color combination Periwinkle Version - I used this version in my artwork Violet Version Green Version Turquoise Version Gold Version Silver Version Here again is another look at the digital artpiece I created using the periwinkle version of this fun fashion plate. My artscene using the 1774 fashion PNG in the new color I hope you are inspired to create some fun art of your own using some of these vintage fashion plate images. till next time...

Artwork and Inspirations by Evelyn Kennedy Duncan

I have a lovely assortment of French fashion plates from the years 1780-1782 for today's post and a new digital scene depicting one of those beauties. I've stated before that I'm drawn to fashion plates that show the back of a garment. I especially liked this 1780 dress in the "Robe à l'Anglaise" style, so today's digital scene was created using that lovely fashion plate but in a new teal color I created. On a previous post, I created a digital scene using another fashion plate showing the back of a gown; however that garment was in the style of "Robe à la Française" or Sack-Back. Since both scenes show the lady from the back you can check both to see the differences in these two styles. For more information on these styles click HERE "Garden Dreams" created using an altered 1780 French Fashion Plate I enjoy altering the colors on fashion plates and at the bottom of this post you will find a nice selection of the above lady in a nice variety of colors. Enjoy! 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Habit en Levite Some vintage styles like the Levite are a bit difficult to find information on. The best I can tell is that for it to be considered Levite the lines are straight (no poofs and swags in the skirt or overskirt), a sash at the waist and a shawl style collar with a bit of ruffle trim on it. For a glossary of French Fashion Terms - click HERE The blog "A Most Beguiling Accomplishment", has a nice post showing a variety of French fashion plates in the Levite style along with Cassidy's personal research on this style. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Cirassienne "Robe a la Cirassienne" which is a version of the "Robe à la Polonaise". "Cirassienne" is a specific looking version of the "Polonaise". The Cirassienne has more elaborate decorations; specifically trim such as fur or tassels, which distinguish it from the typical Polonaise. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite Note the lack of poofs and swags on this style and then the tied sash at the waist. The shawl style collar edged with lace also seems to denote the Levite style. 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite A Levite Pelisse trimmed with ermine fur - how luxurious. I believe this to be a mourning costume. 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Polonaise This plate description states the pelisse is grey and bordered in swan. I believe this also to be a mourning costume 1781 French Fashion Plate - Style: Grand Court (Mourning Dress) I previously posted this low bodice, mourning dress HERE "The Naughty Side of French Fashions"; but have included it once more since it is a mourning dress and I thought it should be shown with the other two pictured above. 1782 French Fashion Plate - Style: Robe a l'Anglaise Robe a l'Anglaise - (English/American version with a bustle rather than pannier hoops and a draped back that begins at the lower "v" portion on the back of the bodice where the skirt begins ) For more information on this style click HERE 1782 French Fashion Plate - Style: Levite Again we see straight lines with a lack of poofs and swags on this style. Their is an interesting twist in that the sash drapes across the bodice before being tied at the waist. The shawl style collar edged with lace also seems to denote the Levite style. 1780 French Fashion Plate - Style: Robe a la Turque "Robe a la Turque" or in the Turkish style I'd like to reference the blog "A Most Beguiling Accomplishment" once more; however this time Cassidy's post is on the style "Robe a la Turque" *********** I took the above 1780 "Robe a la Turque" fashion plate, created a PNG and made several new color versions of her. PNG of Fashion Plate in the Original Color Scheme Rose Version Sapphire and Gold Version Emerald and Gold Version Mulberry & Teal Version Pink and Plum Version Violet Version Blue and Teal Version Green and Teal Version Teal Version Sable and Olive Version Pistachio Version Desert Rose Version I created my digital artwork using the Teal version of this lovely lady. "Garden Dreams" by EKDuncan 2012 The altered Teal fashion plate is the focus of my piece and the background was created by merging several photos together. I added a variety of filters and textures in Photoshop to the background images to give it that "dreamy" fairytale look. The above artpiece is the second part of a two part garden scene. Below is the first garden scene I created earlier this month - HERE. I chose to use the same background in a slightly different way so I could use together as a set of "paintings" for another digital project I'm thinking about. Garden Scene #1 from earlier this month I really have enjoyed creating these little framed gems and soon I'll be sharing another fun project of mine using them. I'll be back later with more late 18th Century French Fashions from the time of Marie Antoinette. till next time...

I adore vintage fashions and am especially intrigued by those items not usually seen in old fashion plates such as undergarments. I was thrilled to come across an interesting fashion plate from the 1770 - 1780's showing quite a bit of the ladies stocking and the ribbon garter she is about to use to anchor her legwear back in place. Naturally I wanted to have a bit of fun with the image, so I created this fun scene showing her trying to entice her escort in a peek. "Trying not to Peek" by EKDuncan using vintage 18th century fashion plates A bit about 18th Century Stockings Since undergarments aka "unmentionables" were not freely discussed or shown in print for polite society there seems to be a bit of speculation about where a lady would "tie" her stockings. Stocking length of a few inches above the knee seems to be the general concensus on the correct length for a ladies stocking; it is the point of where the garter was placed that seems to be in question. It is widely believed that women used a buckled garter of some type, or a ribbon to tie their stockings off, just below the knee or possibly just above knee. My guess is a lady would "tie off" at the place that was the most comfortable and that which had the least amount of risk for letting the stocking fall about her feet as she moved about. Anchoring just below the knee was a benefit since the calf is generally the larger part of the lower leg and by tying off the stocking just below the knee; the fleshy part of the calf would assist in keeping the stocking from dropping below that point. Anchoring above the knee would require a tighter tying off of the stocking so it would not easily drop or slide below the knee; however if a stocking was not well "fitted" to your leg this method would have had a greater chance of falling out of place. My vote would be for placing my garter below the knee; since this would allow the best chance that my stockings would not drop to the ground as I walked or moved about. Risque images and paintings of the time generally show a ladies stocking being tied off just above the knee or slightly higher. It is possible that artists did this for the titillation factor of showing more leg rather than to depict the historically accurate placement of a ladies stocking garter. Elastic and spandax type materials did not exist at this time. Knit stockings relaxed and stretched as you moved around causing them to shift which is why garters were required. Without the advantage of elasticized garters like those decoratively worn in weddings today; the 18th century garter was usually a tied piece of ribbon or a buckling strap made from leather or decorated cloth. Note - It was not till laterer in Victorian times that ladies stockings covered higher into the thigh area due to the garters extending down from the corset itself rather than encircling a ladies leg. Attaching stockings to a garter belt would be the most modern version us 21st century ladies would be familiar with; but this was not the case prior to Victorian times - just in case you were wondering. Here are a few artistic images showing a ladies stockings and garters from the 18th century. Jean-Honoré Fragonard - The Swing 1767 We get a glimpse of ladies stocking, tied off with a ribbon just above the knee. This is actually a very provocative painting for the period. Notice where the gent is sitting and just imagine what kind of view he has. (remember during this period in time women did not wear undies, bloomers, pantaloons... I think you get the picture. - grins) Francois Boucher-La Toilette - Garter 1742 In the above painting we see a lady tying off her stocking above the knee with a ribbon. Notice she does this in a double wrap style around her leg. Here again this is an artist interpretation of a lady at her toilette. She is dressing for the day since she still wears a bed jacket and I don't know about you but I don't think I'd put my shoes on before tying up my stockings. I have to assume a bit of the titillation factor was the point of this piece considering the provocative placement of her legs and that she already has her heels on. Close up of the Stockings and shoes from the above painting "La Toilette" by Francois Boucher My previous post "Showing a Bit of Ankle" has several fashion plates where the hemline on the dresses are at or above the ankle. Due to this fashion trend of shorter skirts; stockings and shoes became a more noticeable fashion accessory. More care was taken with these items since they were easily viewed due to the shorter skirts and considerably more money was spent in acquiring these items. Generally a lady would have worn white stockings or those in a color that matched her ensemble. Pastels such as pink and powder blue were very much in favor. William Hogarth - A Rake's Progress - The Rose Tavern a brothel in Covent Gardens This is a part of the painting showing one of the "working girls" with her skirts pulled back showing her garter and stockings. These show stockings tied off above the knee as well as a bit of exposed thigh to tease the viewer. (If you are wondering about the "patches" on her face - patches were commonly used during this time period for a bit of fun and to add beauty marks. They were also frequently used to disguise marks on a person caused by "the pox" aka syphilis - which was a very common STD in the 18th - 19th century, especially for prostitutes. It was also one of the top killers of men at the time.) On a brighter note - Notice the decoration on her stockings these are referred to as "clocks" and were an expensive addition to have on your stockings. These probably cost her dearly and so she continues to wear them even-though they have holes and tears in them. Mid 18th century Stockings with "clocks", Shoes and French Buckles - Bata Shoe Museum Toronto Here is an example of actual stockings with fancy clocks as well as shoes and buckles from close to the time of Marie Antoinette. Notice the slightly "fitted" look of them in the calf area. This should have helped to keep the upper portion of these stockings from slipping below the the calf. I'm trying to spot evidence of where they would have tied off but I'm seeing the possibility in the areas both above the knee and below; however there seems to be a significant amount of creasing on the stocking tucked under the top one. Those bunched up creases just above the calf area could be from garter placement below the knee; but your guess is as good as mine if that is the case. *********** Now for the images I used to create my ArtScene "Trying Not to Peek" "Trying not to Peek" by EKDuncan using vintage 18th century fashion plates I used two french fashion plates from the late 18th Century to create my scene. Late 18th Century French Fashion Plate (I flipped and slightly altered this image to use in my scene) Striped stockings were a high fashion accessory for men at this time this fashion plate displays a gentleman all decked out in the latest without crossing the boundaries into being a "Peacock". Back in the times of Marie Antoinette a man of extreme fashion would have been called a "Macaroni" the equivalent in the Regency would have been a "Dandy". For the most part in either time period a man who was refereed to as a "Peacock of Fashion" was also having his masculinity placed into question, so there was a fine line between being a man of fashion and being a peacock. French Fashion Plate showing a lady about to tie her stockings in place with a ribbon This is the original late 18th century fashion plate I started with to create the lady in my "Take a Peek" scene. I removed her background and then created a variety of color options to play with. Here are several png colorized versions I created using the above image. (Notice the stocking color changes to match each outfit) png version of the original fashion plate EKD Periwinkle Version EKD Rose Version EKD Green Version - used in the scene EKD - Purple Version EKD - Blue Version with Green Feathers EKD - Grey Version with Purple Feathers I hope you have enjoyed my take on stockings during this time period as well as this great image that shows quite a bit of leg for a fashion plate of its day. I'll be back a little later on with more great French Fashion plates from the time of Marie Antoinette. Till then...

Artwork and Inspirations by Evelyn Kennedy Duncan

The Jane Austen Festival in Louisville is fast approaching! Are you looking to amp up your Regency costuming experience? Maybe you love the festival, but have never dressed up. Maybe you made a dre…

Fashion magazines have been around for quite a while and the quality of images could vary greatly depending on the publication. Some of the late 1700's fashion plates are quite exquisite such as the images from Galerie des Modes et Costumes (which I blogged about earlier from Feb - May 2012, one example of which can be seen HERE). Other publications have plates that are more rustic in appearance yet are still noteworthy for their fashion references and artistic appeal. Even these "rougher" looking images can make fun additions to digital art projects. The Courting Couple by EKDuncan using vintage French fashion plates from 1785-1786 Today I have a few French Fashion plates from the 1785-1786 to share with you. They are from the publications: "Cabinet Des Modes ou Les Modes Nouvelles" and "Magasin Des Modes Noubelles Francaise et Anglaises" At the bottom of the post I have provided a variety of colorized versions for the above couple. I hope you enjoy them! The Fashion Plates from 1785-1786 French Fashion (Dec 1785) - Cabinet Des Modes ou Les Modes Nouvelles French Fashion for Men (Dec 1785) - Cabinet Des Modes ou Les Modes Nouvelles French Fashion (Sept 1786) - Magasin Des Modes Nouvelles Francaise et Anglaises French Fashion (Sept 1786) - Magasin Des Modes Nouvelles Francaise et Anglaises French Fashion (Oct 1786) - Cabinet Des Modes ou Les Modes Nouvelles French Fashion (Nov 1786) - Magasin Des Modes Nouvelles Francaise et Anglaises The Lady from my Courting Couple Scene French Fashion (Mar 1785) - Cabinet Des Modes ou Les Modes Nouvelles I thought this image was quite lovely and turned her into a png; then I created a variety of color combinations so I could use her in digital art projects. The Lady PNG in the original color version EKDuncan - Green Version EKDuncan - Rose Version EKDuncan - Plum Version EKDuncan - Aqua Version EKDuncan - Grey Version The Gent from my Courting Couple Scene French Fashion (Dec 1786) - Magasin Des Modes Nouvelles Francaise et Anglaises I thought this handsome fellow would be good to use in a few scenes so; he too was turned into a png and given a few wardrobe adjustments in the process. The Gent The Original Colors EKDuncan - Blue Version EKDuncan - Grey Version EKDuncan - Plum Version The Background Naturally you need a backdrop of some sort to create a scene and in this case I dug into my Ackermann Repository resources and chose this lovely image of Holly Grove House from 1823; however since the house is from an earlier date I thought it would work quite well with my characters. I had not previously posted this image so it's a new one to add to your collection. Other Ackermann Repository landscapes can be found HERE 1823 Ackermann Repository image of Holly Grove House For my scene I flipped the image so it appears in reverse, just in case you were wondering. The Frame I like to digitally "frame" my art and used one from my vintage collection. I created it using a vintage frame and added in the extra surround for added interest. A Higher Resolution version of this can be found at my deviantART account HERE Other High Resolution versions of my Vintage Frames can be found HERE One last look at the Courting Couple All and all I thought this made a sweet little outdoor scene. I've got a few new ones coming up using interior furniture plates; so remember to check back and see how those came out. Till Next Time...

The Redingote, with its name deriving from the english “Riding Coat”, is a late 18th C. coat-style dress, inspired by menswear of the period. It soon became a favorite walking costume amongst ladies throughout Europe. Our pattern is based on costume studies and period fashion plates. It features a pelerine, two front options and skirt with front opening. The jacket is cut single-breasted, but a decorative second row of buttons lends a double-breasted look. Instructions for a matching petticoat are also included! Full size printed paper pattern with instruction manual. Choose between English or German instructions. Available sizes: German size 38 (= US size 8, UK 10, FR 40 – Bust 88 cm, Waist 70 cm) German size 40 (= US size 10, UK 12, France 42 – B 92 cm, W 74 cm) German size 42 (= US size 12, UK 14, France 44 – B 96 cm, W 78 cm) German size 44 (= US size 14, UK 16, France 46 – B 100 cm, W 81.5 cm) German size 46 (= US size 16, UK 18, France 48 – B 104 cm, W 86 cm) Product code NP E21

I thought I'd step back in time a little bit farther and open up my trunk of "Marie Antoinette" time period fashions to share. These fashion plates from the late 18th century (1778-1787). I can't help but think of Queen Marie whenever I look at them. This fashion style could also be referred to as Georgian; however for me, since these plates are French... I consider them to be Marie Antoinette Fashions. For me - "Marie Antoinette fashions" have the distinctive look of being an elaborate gown with panniers, giving them "wide in the hip" look as well as the tall and fancy powdered hairdos. An EKDuncan digital are piece using one of the "Marie's" I created the above digital art-piece using a great French fashion plate and combining that with a variety of other patterns, designs, old handwritten text and even an oriental rug beneath her feet. I love taking antique images like the above "Marie", altering them and using them to create new art. It's just so much fun to do! I can't resist playing with images to see how I can manipulate them digitally in Photoshop. (It's just one of those quirky, artsy things I do.) In the case of this "Marie" - I removed the original background to create a png image. Next I altered her digitally to create several dress color versions for a bit of variety. See what you think? Late 18th Century Fashion Plate from "Galerie des Modes et Costumes" This is the original fashion plate I started with. I created my EKD versions by removing the background, making some tonal and exposure adjustments; then I had a bit of fun with color adaptations. Here are the "Marie's" I created Marie Fancy Fashion #1 - Red Marie Fancy Fashion #1 - Gold Marie Fancy Fashion #1 - Green Marie Fancy Fashion #1 - Peacock Marie Fancy Fashion #1 - Pink Marie Fancy Fashion #1 - Slate Blue I did this same process with a few fashions plates so I could create some fun artwork. Join me next time to see a fun scene I created using some of these Marie's and "Friends". Till Next time...

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Occasionally I run across duplicate fashion plates that were printed at different times; so they have a slightly different look to them. I thought it would be fun to share one of those example with you today. Naturally, I've created a variety of colorized PNGs from each of the two original versions so you will have a lovely assortment of this 1780's fashion plate to play with too. Enjoy! Digital artpiece using an EKDuncan altered 1780 fashion plate For my digital artwork I took the 1912 version of the the 1780 fashion plate, created a PNG image from the original, altered her colors and placed her in a suitable setting. The background was created using a photograph of a lovely garden scene which I enhanced in Photoshop using several textures and filters. ***** I find it amazing how the same image can appear totally different with slight changes. Both of these prints seem to be based on the same master image but the paper and coloring process are quite different and lends a unique look to each version. 1912 reprint version of a 1780 Fashion Plate Original version of a 1780 French Fashion Plate Prints from "Galerie Des Modes et Costumes Francais" I know the left print is from the 1912 book of reprinted French Fashion Plates from the late 18th Century; the other appears to be a much earlier printing and seems to be hand colored. (The 1912 book has a reference page showing the new plate numbers vs the originally plate numbers when they were first published. The Right image has the original plate number) Not all the master plates survived into the 1900's so when the 1912 book was printed not all the plates were available to reprint. The 1912 version starts with the image that was originally plate #37 and now the 1912 book has it listed as plate #1. From that point forward other original plates are missing here and there from the original series of images. The 1912 versions new sequential order has plate #1 - 325. The original series had 408 images vs the 325 in the 1912 reprinted 4 folio set. This is why the numbers on the two images above do not match. Both are lovely examples of the same 1780 "Cirassienne" fashion from the time of Marie Antoinette;however my favorite is the the last one that appears to be hand colored. (there seems to be so much more depth to that piece than in the 1912 version.) "Robe a la Cirassienne" which is a version of the "Robe à la Polonaise". "Cirassienne" is a specific looking version of the "Polonaise". The Cirassienne has more elaborate decorations; specifically trim such as fur or tassels, which distinguish it from the typical Polonaise. ***** I liked both images well enough to turn them each into PNGs and create a rainbow of colors for each version. The 1912 Reprint Image This version of the fashion plate has neutral colored hair feathers. The dress appears to have a more overall sheer fabric look to it with the most contrast coming from the ribbons and the flowers appear to all be the same color. EKD PNG of the 1912 Re-print Image of a 1780 Fashion Plate EKD Blue Version EKD Lilac Version EKD Green Version - I used this in the artpiece at the top of the post EKD Yellow Version EKD White Version The Older Hand-Colored Image (or what I believe to be the older version of the two) This version of the same fashion plate has multi-colored hair feathers. The fabric for the dress appears heavier than in the first example and there is significantly more contrast between the color on the body of the dress and the trim. The flowers in this version are also multi-colored where in the other example they are not. I had a bit of fun changing her hair color in this version where as in the previous examples I left the hair color alone. EKD PNG from the Original Image of a 1780 French Fashion Plate EKD Yellow Version EKD Aqua Version EKD Periwinkle Version EKD Green Version EKD Turquoise Version EKD Purple Version EKD Silver Version EKD Mauve Version It just goes to show that sometime it's worth having a duplicate image in your collection; especially if there is enough of a change between the two examples. I hope you have enjoyed seeing this "twin" set of images and the various colorized versions I came up with for each. Till next time...

While searching through my vintage French fashion plates I came across a nice selection that displayed shorter skirts and the showing of a ladies ankle. I discovered that for a period of time starting in 1778 and extending into the 1780's "showing a bit of ankle" was quite fashionable, especially in dresses of the "Polonaise" style. The Polonaise style involved the swagging or ruching back of the over-skirt using a variety of methods such as hidden tapes or loops to achieve the desired effect. This trend toward "shorter under-skirts" could also be found in other styles through the 1780's. c 1778 French Polonaise Style with shorter skirts and showing the ankle Pre-Revolutionary France was quite daring with their fashion trends. This post is all about the raising of the hem while my previous post Naughty French Fashions concentrated on the lowering of the bodice and extreme décolletage. Yes, you will see a combination of both extremes by looking at that prior post since several of the low bodice creations also sport the shorter hemline. Here is an assortment of ankle exposing fashions from 1778-1787 in the Polonaise Style Shorter skirt with a more "flounce" inspired look This one has more of a "robe a l'anglaise" style with the shorter underskirt Polonaise Style with a very low bodice Polonaise Style Shorter skirt with a bit of the "robe a la francaise" feel due to the draped back Polonaise Style Polonaise Style Polonaise Style Polonaise Style Polonaise Style possibly French Casaquin in style Polonaise Style Polonaise Style? possibly French Casaquin in style Polonaise Style with a "robe a l'anglaise" feel I love altering fashion plate colors digitally just because it's fun but at the same time if calls to mind that back when these fashions were created a lady did not usually have a dress made to look exactly as shown in a fashion plate. Instead she might alter any number of things to make a gown suit her or the occasion it would be worn. Colors and fabric choices were just one of many alterations that would be decided in making an ensemble to please that patron. It's fun to see how a dress changes as you alter just the colors alone and since I'm not fond of the original color pallet used I thought this would be a fun one to play around with. Here are the variations I came up with. (I can't decide between the first and the last one as to my favorite color combo) Next time I've got an interesting "leggy" fashion plate to share and a bit about stockings during this period of time. Thanks for joining me on my continuing journey into fashion plates from the time of Marie Antoinette. till next time...