Hello All, I'm a newbie so I beg your patience ....
My wife and I are living in Italy for a few years, and have made a goal to go to Carnevale in Venice next February. I have undertaken the grand challenge of making costumes for this event. Even with my meager sewing skills/experience (a few Halloween costumes). I've been searching the web for examples and patterns to work from for her gown. But, most of what turns up seems to be French fashion. Maybe it's true that the French fashion dominated Europe in the 18th century, esp. the late 18th century, which is the era I'm looking at. But, is there anything particularly "Italian" or even "Venetian" with respect dress? In particular, so far most of what I've found is the "Robe a la Francese" or sack dress. I really like the sleeves, with the lace trim, and the front, with the pointed stomacher and the layered skirts sweeping open in the front. But, I really don't like the "sack" part in the back. I've looked at patterns for a Robe a la Inglese, and Polonese, but, really don't like it as much in general. In particular, I find the skirt isn't as nice. I am honestly not totally committed to historical accuracy, but, I'd like to not embarrass myself, either. I want something that looks good and withing some realm of reality. In particular, I'm a little dubious about having a separate stomacher, rather than something more one-piece. I'd even stoop to a back zipper if I had to (I hear your gasps of horror and ask for your patience, again). Part of the reason is that we are also avid dancers, and look forward to perhaps even a little waltzing at Carnevale. We'd like something which is also movable. (Although I also know that we're probably talking more Minuets, and the clothing and dance of the era went hand in hand - that is, not a lot of raising your hands high above your head wearing a frock coat, and that wasn't required in Minuets. But, I digress....). So, anybody have suggestions on good ideas for this? Patterns, or differences between Venetian and general 18th century European (i.e. French) fasion? Books? Even better - web resources? I'm also hoping to make a frock coat for myself. At the moment, I'm working on a set of stays for my wife by J.P. Ryan and Costume Classroom. We'll see how far I get in this whole venture. Any help is greatly appreciated. Thanks for humoring a newbie. Best Regards, Mike _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
