American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
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...
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"...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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....
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...
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...
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,...
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...
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...