oh the things you find wasting time on pinterest

[robinsnest]

I think this is a really beautiful gown. But I've never seen anything quite like it! It's such a transition piece, the auction catalogue lists it as a sack back, but the pleats are sewn down fully half the way down the back. And I don't think I've seen anything quite like those front straps on a Robe Francaise before. 



Anyway I thought some of you might find it as interesting as I did. Very pretty too! 

Comments

[lydianmode.livejournal.com]

Could the fronts be robings that were picked loose later? The lacing in the front looks like part of a 19th c. theatrical renovation, and I could see pulling robings off to make into a bow.

[estela-dufrayse.livejournal.com]

this!
It looks to me to be an earlier sacque that has been modified in possibly both the later 18thC to reflect a new style and then in the 19thC for dress up.

[sewloud.livejournal.com]

I thought that was possible too, but they seem really really long to be robings. I've never seen any extend that far beyond the point of the bodice. I think you're right about the lacing, it probably pinned originally. That super scooped neckline is so 1790s to me that I'm currently thinking it's an en fourreau back that the pleating has come unstitched with a really interesting cross bodice detail.

I might have to do a bit of digging and see if I can find any other examples of cross straps like that in the 1780s/90s