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An 1833-ish Dickens Fair Gown!

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...
American Duchess
The American Duchess Historical Holiday Gift Guide 2018

The American Duchess Historical Holiday Gift Guide 2018

Happy Holidays! Welcome to our big mega huge list of holiday gifts for the historical costumers in your life (or yourself!). This year we have lots and lots of goodies...
American Duchess
Tagged: Miscellany
Historical Reproduction Winter Boots For You

Historical Reproduction Winter Boots For You

It's that time of year when the weather goes cold and you're wanting a nice pair of boots to slog around in...historically, of course. Ladies of the past had a...
American Duchess
American Duchess Weekend SALE!

American Duchess Weekend SALE!

It's that wonderful time of year when things go on sale, like, everywhere. EVERYWHERE! This year we have these goodies for you.... Dunmore 18th Century Shoes in Black Wool with...
American Duchess
Tagged: Shoes

Vlog: The 1830s Bustle!

Howdy! We're deep, deep down the #1830s rabbit hole, working diligently on our gowns with much haste in preparation for our trip to Dickens Fair in San Francisco on December...
American Duchess
Book Review: The Workwoman's Guide by A Lady, 1838

Book Review: The Workwoman's Guide by A Lady, 1838

Hey there you lovely costuming creatures, you! As many of you know, Lauren and I are currently up to our eyeballs in all things 1830s. Yep, we're both busy ladies...
American Duchess
Podcast Episode 24: Abby & Lauren's Top 5 Costuming Books

Podcast Episode 24: Abby & Lauren's Top 5 Costuming Books

Hey Everyone! We're back with a new quick little episode of the podcast, where Lauren and I chat about our top 5 costuming books. While it's difficult to pick favorites,...
American Duchess
Tagged: Podcast

1790 Redingote Inspiration and Percolation

Redingote, c. 1790, LACMA M2009.120 Friends, I haven't wanted to sew for awhile. Burn-out is a real thing, especially failing miserably on the last two 18th century gowns I tried...
American Duchess
Podcast Episode 23: Cheyney McKnight on African Hair and Headwraps

Podcast Episode 23: Cheyney McKnight on African Hair and Headwraps

Hi Everyone! Abby here with another episode of Fashion History with American Duchess. This episode has been long overdue, and we're so incredibly excited to share it with you! Last...
American Duchess
Tagged: Podcast
Spring2019 - A New Pattern for Simplicity - 1790s Gown and Open Robe!

Spring2019 - A New Pattern for Simplicity - 1790s Gown and Open Robe!

Ann Frankland Lewis - 1794. LACMA I'm excited to officially announce that we've developed another new historical dress pattern for Simplicity! Since first partnering with Simplicity several years ago I've...
American Duchess
Episode 22: Part 2 with Jenny Tiramani from the School of Historical Dress

Episode 22: Part 2 with Jenny Tiramani from the School of Historical Dress

Hi Again! Abby here, fulfilling my promise from last week that we were going to release the second part of our conversation with the incredible Jenny Tiramani. This week's episode...
American Duchess
Tagged: Podcast
The "En Fourreau" Myth

The "En Fourreau" Myth

NOPE In our modern world there is much of the past that has been obscured. Looking through the lens of time, especially when you have to peer through the film...
American Duchess