Happy Valentine’s Day sweet friends! One of the most enduring romances of all time is that of the Bonapartes. For this special Friday Fashion post, I bring you A Josephine Bonaparte Inspired Dress.
The dress was worn to the Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Tea I recently hosted.
I have actually wanted to create a Napoleon and Josephine event for a few years. My Pinterest feed often features the Empress.
Based on several paintings of her it appears that she had a fondness for red.
L’impératrice Joséphine (The Empress Josephine) – Pierre-Paul Prud’hon, 1805
Portrait de l’Impératrice Joséphine de France (Portrait of Empress Josephine of France) – Firmin Massot, 1812
Josephine Bonaparte by Antoine-Jean Gros, 1808
One of her gowns still in existence is a cotton embroidered muslin that features a red underdress. (From the Chateau de Malmaison Costume Collection.)
So red would indeed be a good choice.
Empress Josephine was crowned on December 2, 1804.
Joséphine en costume de sacre by Baron François Gérard, 1807-1808
Nobility often sets the tone for fashion and Josephine was no exception. Her influence can easily be seen in this 1806 fashion plate below.
As the tea would be hosted in winter I liked the longer sleeve option.
With my complexion, I can’t wear a bright or orange-based red like this circa 1801 dress.
But I could wear a darker crimson similar to this lovely gown.
A Josephine Bonaparte Inspired Dress
While attending Costume College this past July I visited the L.A. fabric district. There I found a beautiful shot silk fabric. The warp of the fabric weave is bright red while the weft is bright aqua. It creates a stunning visual combination. Shot silk is not inexpensive. This was actually a steal at $15 a yard. It is the most I’ve ever spent on a piece of fabric. But then most of my fabrics come from estate sales. I needed 3 yards. They actually gave me another 1/2 yard for free because it had a flaw in it.
You can squeak out a Regency/Empire/Biedermeier style dress with just 3 yards. IF you lay out your pieces carefully and have no embellishments whatsoever. That extra 1/2 yard allowed me to have a bit more fullness in the back.
Simplicity Pattern 4055
This Regency pattern is from the big 3 (Simplicity/McCalls/Butterick) is the out-of-print Simplicity 4055. I appreciate that the neckline is a bit higher and the shoulder pieces are cut a smidge wider.
With a bit of guidance, even a beginner can sew this gown.
The interior of the dress is lined with a cotton bodice and petticoat. This is a must when working with silk. I opted to create tucks at the bottom of the petticoat to help support the outer dress.
I am also wearing a Regency-style chemise as my first underlayer. It protects the silk from perspiration and body oils.
Trying to keep the dress as historically accurate as possible it was sewn with cotton thread and closed with hooks and eyes.
Jewelry Fit For A Queen
To complete my look I spent a good deal of time gazing at the lovely painting below.
L’imperatrice Giuseppina ritratta (Portrait of Joséphine de Beauharnais) Andrea Appiani, 1808
Empress Josephine owned several beautiful Parure sets. They are a set of jewels intended to be worn together. There is typically a combination of a matching necklace, earrings, brooch, bracelet, and in Josephine’s case, a diadem or tiara.
Portrait of Empress Josephine, Jean Louis Victor Viger du Vigneau
Josephine loved pearls.
When I spied a laurel leaf tiara at our local Sam Moon for just three dollars I quickly snapped it up. Ditto for the $4 bee earrings. Laurel leaves and bees were often used motifs during Napoleon’s reign.
I took the earrings apart and temporarily added the bees to my Grandma Mary’s string of pearls. I also wore a pearl ring, earrings, and bracelet creating my own parure.
As Josephine was completely besotted with her pug, Fortune, I thought it was fitting to pose with my Gracie.
I hope you have enjoyed the 2020 Napoleon and Josephine Valentine decor theme posts.
Napoleon & Josephine Valentine Tablescape
Malmaison, The Tuileries, And My French Front Door
Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Garland
Miniature Pincushion Party Favors
Napoleon and Josephine Valentine Bonbons
Still need more?
Jane Austen Inspired Valentine Table
A Romantic Jane Austen Inspired Mantel
I am going to take a few days off to spend with my family and will be back later next week.
Tonight I am making a special dinner for my Valentine’s.
Have a wonderful, love-filled day!
Laura
I remember you telling me about that silk and it’s dazzling. I can only imagine how it feels. I could swear I saw a bit of a turq undertone although that may be my imagination! I love the process you went through in your research to create this confection, right down to the jewelry. It’s beautiful, Laura, and you did magnificent work!
Beautiful dress and beautiful you! Happy Valentine’s day to you and yours.
Beautiful! I’m glad to see a Regency pattern that’s not so low cut.
I just love that dress – the color and the fabric are so “rich” and you look adorable in it. Your dance card would fill up immediately at Almacks.
Oh what a lovely dress! and fantastic theme! I hope that your day was extra special.
Hello and an apology! My lap top crashed and I have been checking in on my phone but it just isn’t the same and gives me grief about posting messages.
I am so sorry that I wasn’t able to comment on your beautiful gown and elegant tea. (I had one typed out but it disappeared. UGH!)
Love, love, love your dress and hair! You look stunning. The fabric, the colour and the details on your dress are just perfect! I love the way the shoulder seam is dropped a little behind the way it would usually be set and the princess seaming on the back. Your headpiece is so delicate and sweet in your curls.
The gown just shimmers and I bet is was beautiful in the sunlight as well as by candle light!
Everyone in the photos looks so pretty with the sweet dresses. They must have all be so excited to see your table all set and the exciting take home gifts, You are such a thoughtful hostess!
Thank you for sharing the pics from your special occasion! 🙂