Fashion prints from La Belle Assemblée - April 1807
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| English ball dress and carriage costume from La Belle Assembée (1807) |
An evening or ball dress (left)
A round dress of soft white satin, with short train, slashed sleeve, and square bosom, made to sit close to the form; embroidered round the bottom and bosom with a delicate border in silver. The shawl drapery, formed of a large square of pink patent net, embroidered in correspondent border of silver; which, by crossing the back, and being confined with a brooch on the left shoulder, forms the tunic drapery (now so much in esteem) by the aid of a single pin only. Silver cord and tassels, suspended from one side of the figure. Large diamond brooch in the centre of the bosom, continued in a chain to the bottom of the waist. Drawn tucker of Mechlin lace. Hair in dishevelled curls on the crown of the head, flowing in ringlets towards the left ear. Bandeau of diamonds finished in the centre in the form of a cockle-shell. Earrings of a similar form; armlets and bracelets of blended pearl and hair. Pink satin shoes, trimmed with silver fringe. White kid gloves, rucked.
Walking or carriage costume (right)
A French coat of imperial satin, or twill sarsnet, of a lavender-blossom, or light lilac colour; bordered at the wrist, and entirely round the coat, with a brocade ribband of the shaded jonquille colour. A plain walking dress of the finest French cambric, or jaconet muslin, scalloped at the feet in the form of shells; two rows of open hems, or work, at regular distances, immediately above it. Habit shirt of similar material, let in with rich point lace in front; with treble high collars of lace and embroidery. A small brooch of bright amber confines the shirt at the throat, and one of a larger size ornaments the gown in the centre of the bosom. A sash, the colour of the coat, tied immediately in front. Indian turban cap, or bonnet of correspondent materials, worn generally with a veil of Brussels lace. Hair cropt behind, and in simple curls in front. White sarsnet parasol, with Vandyke floss fringe. York tan gloves, and kid shoes, the colour of the coat.
A fashionable party at the Frescati in Paris
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| A fashionable party at the Frescati in Paris from La Belle Assemblée (1807) |
In a round dress of Italian crape, of a bright lemon colour, over a white sarsnet slip. A short full sleeve, and round bosom, cut low, with a tucker of French net. Conversation bonnet of chip, ornamented with lilac ribband. Hair curled on the forehead; and in ringlets on the shoulders.
Second lady
A round dress of plain India mull muslin; with long waist, full sleeve, and frock back. A deep fall of Mechlin lace quite round the bosom. A short sash, of bright morone tied behind. A turban hat, of morone, satin, shaded in checks, and ornamented with field flowers in front. Necklace and earrings of mocho-stone linked with gold. Hair cropt close behind, and in deshevelled curls in front. Long Angola shawl, of a bright amber colour, with a rich and variegated border. White kid gloves, and shoes of morone kid.
Source used:
Bell, John, La Belle Assemblée (1807)
