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{Video} Wherein Lauren & Abby Get Racked

{Video} Wherein Lauren & Abby Get Racked

...or Racked gets Lauren'd & Abby'd. ;-) In early December, Abby and I took our annual trip to New York City to do *all the things.* One of the things...
American Duchess
A New 1780s CandyStripe Italian Gown

A New 1780s CandyStripe Italian Gown

Italian gown - The Met - 1785-87 C.I.66.39a-b Well, I just can't stay away from the late 18th century (can you blame me?). There is just so much to be...
American Duchess
The Robe a la Turque - Part 4 - The Kurdi Polonaise

The Robe a la Turque - Part 4 - The Kurdi Polonaise

The last major piece of my take on Guimard's 1790 Turkish stage costume was the fabulous fur-trimmed blue robe. I pondered over this piece for a long time, trying to...
American Duchess
Simplicity 8578 and 8579 - TWO new 18th Century Patterns!

Simplicity 8578 and 8579 - TWO new 18th Century Patterns!

Ladies, we are SO excited to finally announce two new 18th century American Duchess patterns from Simplicity! Simplicity 8578 is the Robe a la Francaise (Sacque) and petticoat and Simplicity...
American Duchess
BOOK RELEASE: The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking

BOOK RELEASE: The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking

Today's the big day! Our book, The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking: How to Handsew Georgian Gowns and Wear The with Style has officially been released! While you...
American Duchess
NEW! Special Edition "Dunmore" 18th c. Shoes in Red/White

NEW! Special Edition "Dunmore" 18th c. Shoes in Red/White

This year, we've created a special shoe to coincide with the launch of our new book, The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. The idea came about from the...
American Duchess
The American Duchess Guide: Behind the Scenes With The 1760s Sacque Gown {Video}

The American Duchess Guide: Behind the Scenes With The 1760s Sacque Gown {Video}

Our c. 1768 sacque gown created for The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking, made for and modeled by Abby Cox. You can create this or your own creative...
American Duchess
The Robe a la Turque - Part 3 - Shalwar Puffy Pants

The Robe a la Turque - Part 3 - Shalwar Puffy Pants

Before I forget about all the trials and tribulations (and sometimes fun) I had making my Turkish costume for Costume College 2017, I better tell you about one of the...
American Duchess
Jane Austen Festival in Pictures

Jane Austen Festival in Pictures

How remiss am I in sharing photos, proper photos, from the Jane Austen Festival. So remiss! In fact, when I opened up this draft post to see how far I'd...
American Duchess
The American Duchess Guide - Previews!

The American Duchess Guide - Previews!

Lovelies, we are so excited to finally be able to give you all a sneak preview and some behind-the-scenes info on our upcoming book, The American Duchess Guide to 18th...
American Duchess
New Cotton Striped Stockings, Oh YEAH!

New Cotton Striped Stockings, Oh YEAH!

Storyville portrait, New Orleans, c. 1912. Portrait by E. J. Bellocq. Who doesn't love a good striped stocking? The Georgians, Victorians, and Edwardians sure did! Striped stockings of various colors...
American Duchess
The "Jane Austen Goes to Ikea and then to Jane Austen Festival" Gown

The "Jane Austen Goes to Ikea and then to Jane Austen Festival" Gown

This year was my first visit to Jane Austen Festival in Louisville, Kentucky, at beautiful Locust Grove historic site. I had been to Locust Grove before on a rainy November...
American Duchess