The curious case of Mrs. Jones

Ole,

I'm not sure I would know the exact designer terminology. I'm just not that into fashion. But I do know what I like. That said, I'd guess it was a Neo Classical, short sleeved, full length Evening Dress. It is a bright red machine made, very fine, net material. With machine made embroidery circling the bottom of the sleeves, up the shoulder and around the neckline and down between the breasts. Also embroidery around the hemline. It is not low plunging or off the shoulder but in true Neo Classical style, showing nicely the neckline. (Think Greek Women) I used to have a photo of it but I have lost in sometime in the last year. Which upsets me greatly. There is a person who could provide me with this photo (Hint, Hint) The dress is incredibly red and in theory it shouldn't be. I recall the discussion of Perkins and aniline dyes. And to head off possible speculation and stereotypes, no, I'm not the least bit gay. I just try to pay attention when women talk. It comes in handy when they quiz you later.

But knowing what a pelisse was would be no real great surprize. No more than me knowing what a Nehru jacket or a hoody was. They were just common waist length mantles. I'd hate to think in a hundred years time knowing what a Hoody, a sun dress, a muumuu or a Prada hand bag, an Aigner bag or sling backs were would seem strange.


But like you, I get the feeling neither She nor He were either a lady or a gentleman. But to me her choice of Plum on Grey shows me she had a good eye. I just wonder what shade Liberty Grey was.

tommy

[dawna]

Tommy:

It took me awhile, but I've tracked down the dress that you were referring to...and I'm not surprised that you remembered it in such detail...it is unforgettable. Jenna sent me this pic sometime ago and we were both amazed that after nearly two hundred years, the 'red' in this dress is brilliant as ever.

I would like to wear this dress for even five minutes, and I would make a solemn promise not to muck out stalls in it , if granted such a privilege!

Enjoy.




By the period 1805-1810, brighter colours were becoming popular in women’s fashion. This gown is shown over a reproduction red petticoat, but it could also have been worn over a white under-dress to show off the texture of the fabric. Machine-made net, which had been developed and improved during the later 18th century, was a popular ground for embroidery and machine-made laces. Its light weight and airy texture suited the simple style of Neo-classical dresses.

That is the dress. I recalled it having less of a .....bustle in the back though. Would that be called a bustle? Oops not trying to side track the thread.

[bill_torrens]

Coward's memoirs weren't published until 1968, so it could well be that he never intended them to see the light of day.

Although there is an editorial foreword, it tells us nothing about the provenance of the manuscript or at what stage of his life Coward wrote it. But I don't believe any of the text was inserted by his descendants, since it has an overall coherence of style.

[ole]

Tommy, that is some dress. It would be stunning on anyone. I don't believe, from Dawna's picture, that the lady's bottom was enhanced.

I was not clear in my question. There is no way I was implying that a man who could describe a dress would necessarily be of another persuasion. I was simply wondering if the men in the last century could describe a dress accurately, as we obviously cannot.

I see the dress as blood-red velvet with tasteful applique around the edge of short sleeves, shoulder touches, bodice and hem. The puffy area in back most likely results from a tightly drawn waste with allowance in a heavy fabric for sitting.

The grecian physique would be required for such a dress. None of today's pencil-thin supermodels could do it justice. I acknowledge and share your extreme desire (I would have said lust, but when you read this, you'll see four asterisks.) to adorn any particular loved one is such a garment.

Ole

[dawna]

Tommy & Ole:

You both put me to shame with your vivid and detailed descriptions of this stunning dress - far more eloquent than anything I could have come up with! I have a large collection of Civil War dresses on file, and although this dress was not designed within that decade, it is still a favourite of mine.

I would even refuse one of Neil's cigars for the opportunity to spend an evening in a dress such as this. :-)

Dawna

"Never interrupt someone doing what you said couldn't be done.
~Amelia Earhart~