A Chemise a la Reine For A Georgian Picnic

Hello sweet friends! Welcome to another edition of Historic Fashion Fridays! I recently made and wore A Chemise a la Reine For A Georgian Picnic.

Last Saturday several members of the D/FW Costumers Guild gathered together for our annual Georgian Picnic.

Members often make and wear historical fashion styles from the Georgian Era. The era occurred between 1714 to 1830–37. It gets its name after the Hanoverian kings George I, George II, George III, and George IV. A sub-period is the Regency era when the Prince of Wales, George IV, ruled during the illness of his father, Mad King George III.

In addition, the day of the picnic coincided with the birthday of Marie Antoinette.

The event is truly one of my favorites on the costuming calender.

People bring delicious treats to share and break out their best china, pewter and more.

It is not a requirement that you must attend in costume. There were a few dressed in what is often referred to as muggle or street clothing.

Looking resplendent in Regency and Revolutionary attire are Beth and Christy.

The details are just wonderful. Beth’s bonnet featured an amazing diamond shape.

I loved Christy’s French flavored sash.

Sometimes a bit of technology sneaks in.

Pink floral and ruffles…YES to both!

Fabulous! I am currently inspired to create my own pleated chemisette.

Every single time I see Jen I am just completely captivated by her creations.

Pure perfection in such a pretty package.

Dixie Diy and dear Susan looked as though they walked out of an Austen movie.

A Chemise a la Reine For A Georgian Picnic

As it was Marie Antoinette’s birthday I chose to make a Chemise a la Reine. The dress, also known as a robe de Gaulle, or Gaulle, was made infamous by Marie Antoinette in the early 1780s. The dress was a striking contrast to the highly structured garments worn by French nobility at the time. The gown is incredibly light and simple. It consists of thin layers of muslin which is loosely draped and closes at the back or front with ties. The waist is belted with a long sash.

The Queen wore the simple gown whenever she was at the Petit Trianon. Elisabeth Vigée-Lebrun painted Marie Antoinette in the new style in 1783. It was taken as an insult that the Queen thought so little of her subjects she would be shown only in her undergarments. The portrait was considered scandalous and helped to solidify the French peoples’ hatred for their queen.

The gown also represented an economic threat. At the time fine muslin was imported from England. When the style was embraced by both the French and English upper classes the French silk industry suffered enormous financial losses. As such the Queen’s reputation was further damaged as it appeared she did not care about her country. This and other factors led to her demise by guillotine in 1793.

The Pattern

I largely must thank my dear friend Cheryl for the creation of this dress. She had found the fabric while we were in the LA fabric district. In addition, she also graciously loaned me the use of her Laughing Moon #133 pattern.

The pattern went together fairly easily. I imagine that a beginner, with a bit of assistance, could sew the dress.

In a time crunch, I did not add the neck or sleeve ruffle. But they can be added in the future.

For the sash, I hand-dyed a piece of silk with Rit emerald. The fabric was quickly dipped in the dye for only a moment to achieve the delicious mint color.

I was trying to match the bergére hat I had trimmed a few years ago.

Puffed sleeves! Gah, I adore them.

Reality check: running out of time I wore my Civil War-era chemise underneath. Quick! Someone call the historically accurate fashion police.

I have never been a good hairstylist. Even with my own hair. I can’t even imagine trying to create an elaborate late 18th-century coiffure. So I opted to wear a wig and simply tied it back with a black ribbon as was custom.

Why did ladies need assistance in getting dressed? Because it’s impossible to tie this gown up by oneself.

A fashion note: the strings of the gown should be tightened until the fabric meets together.

Alas, my son was my maid so I had to take what I got. The fischu (a large kerchief) covered most of the haphazardness.

I think it also ups my scandalous factor!

Truth be told I often feel like Pig Pen when I show up to costuming events. There is always some disarray happening with my ensembles.

But no matter, it keeps me humble and happy!

Join us in the fun!

If you are ever in the D/FW area please feel free to join in the costuming fun. Everyone is welcome.

January 18, 2020, Renoir at the Kimbell 10:30AM  Kimbell Art Museum, Fort Worth, TX  Victorian Attire

Mr. Decor and I will also be attending the Dickens On The Strand Festival in Galveston December 6th through the 8th. I can’t wait for the Grand Victorian Tea Reception.

Let them eat cake!

We have wine!

It’s tons of fun!

Have a wonderful weekend!

Laura