American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
Coco 2019 Gala - 1830s Explosion!
For this year's Costume College gala, the theme was "The Opulent Streets of Venice," which can be, well, anything really! Abby, Chrissy, and I decided to be opulently wide and...
Costume College 2019
American Duchess crew in 18th century attire - Friday night at Costume College 2019 Another year, another fabulous Costume College! If you're unfamiliar with Costume College, it's a 5-day costuming...
Resplendent in 1835 - A Photoshoot
Nicole Rudolph in her c. 1835 ensemble. OK, so it's pretty obvious I'm obsessed with the 1830s now (though I will never stop loving the 18th century deeply). I've made...
#SewingIsHard - 1830s Skirts!
Hi lovelies! It's time for a new video all about the magical world of 1830s skirts. If you're working on an 1830s gown, be it for day or evening, we've...
#SewingIsHard - A Corded Petticoat
via I realize I never posted this video here for you guys. Abby shares her trials and tribulations in making her 1830s corded petticoat. Enjoy! If you'd like the PDF...
All About 1830s Corsets and Fan Lacing
One of the biggest questions we get about our 1830s ensembles is about the corsets, so we've made a video telling you all about them: Both of our corsets were...
My 1830s Bonnet
In the quest to be ever huger in our 1830s attire, the Gigot Girl Gang™ chose a variety of headgear to top off each of our ensembles. Maggie used bonnet...
My Ghosts of Dickens Fairs Past
This year will be my first visit to Dickens Fair in San Francisco in many years, and I'm *excited.* I've been to Dickens many times, and even worked it as...
1833 Plaid Dickens Dress - Progress!
Abby and I think these gowns look rather like 1950s evening gowns before the sleeves go on and ruin everything! More 1830s goodness! All the other Gigot Girl Gang members...
An 1833-ish Dickens Fair Gown!
#goals I have had an inexplicable love affair with the early 1830s for many years now, but it's never been satiated....until NOW! This year, our Gigot Girl Gang™ is headed...
What I've Learned About the 1830s in 2.75 Days
Dress, c. 1835 - FIDM Though I have less and less time to devote to making historical costumes these days (ironically, but such is running two footwear companies), I still...
1820s Green Dress Construction Details - Bodice
Happy Friday! Abby here again for more yummy 1820s Green Dress construction info & detail shots! If you missed previous posts you can check out the general observation & sleeve...