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Adventures in the Forgotten Century - American Duchess Goes Baroque

Adventures in the Forgotten Century - American Duchess Goes Baroque

There comes a time in every girly costumer's seamstressing career when she wants a pink polonaise, a huge, fluffy, crispy, pink taffeta 18th century polonaise. She salivates over the mere...
American Duchess
The 18th Century Dog

The 18th Century Dog

I watched a fascinating show last night, BBC 'Horizon: The Secret Life of the Dog,' and got to thinking about dogs of the past, and what is a "period correct"...
American Duchess
The Great 1840s Digression

The Great 1840s Digression

Today I went to the fabric store for one thing and one thing only: muslin, primarily for the purpose of mocking up James' 18th c. men's suit (more on this...
American Duchess
James' Fantastic 18th Century Suit - Starting Line

James' Fantastic 18th Century Suit - Starting Line

Red wool suit with gold trimming, Kyoto Costume Institute, 1740s It's about time I posted something, yeah? I have a good excuse: this little Duchie has finally found herself a...
American Duchess
Cold-Weather Couture for the Chilly 18th c. Lady

Cold-Weather Couture for the Chilly 18th c. Lady

Someone looks coooollldddd. It's cold outside. Really cold. Really wet. Really windy.It can safely be assumed that back in the 18th c it was also cold, wet, and windy, particularly...
American Duchess
The Language of the Fan

The Language of the Fan

It might very well be impossible to be a costumer and not have heard of "The Language of the Fan." It's like Latin - we all know it existed, but...
American Duchess
Medivh: 18th c Men's Patterning Terror

Medivh: 18th c Men's Patterning Terror

I've been looking for patterns for the entire World of Warcraft 18th c. men's ensemble, but with very little luck. The costume is built on a basic men's mid-18th c....
American Duchess
Tagged: Research
The KCI J&G Project: Reference and Mysterious Mysteries

The KCI J&G Project: Reference and Mysterious Mysteries

The main question on my mind as of late has been "What does the jacket do in the back?" Obviously there is an extant, existing garment, yet no one except...
American Duchess
8 Drool-Worthy 18th c. Dresses From the Kyoto Costume Institute

8 Drool-Worthy 18th c. Dresses From the Kyoto Costume Institute

For some time now I've had the Kyoto Costume Institute's book...the miniature version. It was not until this afternoon that I finally received the KCI "big book," quite literally a...
American Duchess
Tagged: Research
Behind The Masque: Owl Mask Inspiration Pt. 2

Behind The Masque: Owl Mask Inspiration Pt. 2

With something as outlandish as what has been percolating in my head, concerning the mask to accompany the barn owl ensemble, I feel it necessary to put as much planning,...
American Duchess
Behind the Masque: Owl Mask Concept and References

Behind the Masque: Owl Mask Concept and References

What is more intriguing than and 18th c. Masquerade (and it's masks)?American Duchess' first monster project, which all the dress diary entries so far have been working towards, is the...
American Duchess
I'm NOT Crazy! - Examples of Incredible Feather Gowns

I'm NOT Crazy! - Examples of Incredible Feather Gowns

Holy Mackerel! Look what I found wandering the interwebs! This is an Yves Saint Laurent gown made of pheasant and vulture (vulture!?) feathers. It's GORGEOUS!! I don't have access to...
American Duchess