American Duchess Historic Shoes Blog
More On Nankeen Fabric and Boots in the Regency
Dames a la Mode, Lady's Museum, 1804 There have been a few questions about Nankeen fabric and its uses in the Regency, so here's a bit more information about it....
Too Many Costumes, Not Enough Time!
Have you ever felt this way? I've been diligently working out the kinks in my 18th century wardrobe for Colonial Williamsburg, in two weeks (eek!), but as I near the...
Nankeen Regency Boots Giveaway!
It's time for another awesome giveaway for a pair of American Duchess shoes - this time it's our "Nankeen" Regency Half-Boots -OR- Store Credit equivalent! Most of you are familiar...
Introducing and Celebrating Nankeen Regency Boots
Today is the day for our latest historical shoe - "Nankeen" Regency Boots! Nankeen boots were an early 19th century fabric walking boots with adjustable lacing closure. Just like boots...
Re-Fit ALL the Things!
The Met, 1774-93 - Evidence of a gown let out to accommodate wide shoulders. As you all know, in our sewing journeys, no matter the years that have passed, things...
Elizabethan Costume Modeling at Nevada Museum of Art
This past weekend I modeled again for the painting class at the Nevada Museum of Art. It's quite an enjoyable experience, even though sitting still for 3 hours is difficult....
Behind the Scenes at the Antoinette/Highbury Photoshoot
Last week Chris and I worked on a new shoot for Antoinettes and Highbury. We wanted to create a ladies' boudoir space, similar to the interiors in these paintings: Francois...
Happy Valentine's Day!
...here's a pink dress... LACMA, 1830 It's a dress I'm madly in love with. It's the kind of painful sort of love that makes me want to attempt to make...
LACMA Sacque - Done! And I Love It!
Sometimes it's really does pay off to just press through the rough patches and finish a costume, even if you hate every stitch along the way. I'm glad I finished...
Please Vote for the New February Shoe...
It's that time again, dears! What shall be the next offering from AD? Up for consideration are: The new Georgiana Georgiana (est. $120 - $140 retail) Made of improved fabric,...
LACMA Sacque - The Home Stretch (Maybe?)
I have been working on this gown on-and-off for, gosh, a year? I'm ready for it to be done, but not willing to put in the effort to get it...
18th Century Riding Habit Waistcoats for Women
Lately I've been working on a waistcoat to go under my Snowshill riding habit. I really love the look of this menswear inspired style, but before jumping in, I needed...