Round Gown In Pinkish Taffeta With Mitten Sleeves - France First Republic C. 1792-95

Circa 1792-1795 France First Republic period
Round Gown with high waist in salmon pink silk, fashioned with geometric patterns dating from the First French Republic. Bustier with large oval neckline finely tightened on the chest by original sliding ties. Long elbow sleeves ending in mittens. Round skirt with large volume pleated in organ pipe behind emphasizing the V-shaped cut of the back of the bustier. Bodice lining in ecru linen with inner corset to tie. No lining for the skirt with very large bottom and several bather pleats at the bottom. The silk with changing tones does not have major defects apart from a few yellowish halos and some period repairs. Stable condition of conservation, for collection only. Very rare piece.
Dimensions: Small size corresponding to a 34 France today.

This last manifestation of a pyramid-shaped dress from the very end of the 18th century, has its source in the flying dresses of the Louis XV period. Here the hollow pleats of the back are still located very high and constitute the last reminiscence of the Watteau pleats of the Robes à la française. The apparent simplicity of this dress, just like the figured silk, in no way presumes the luxury that could accompany it. Fashion was still reduced to finery and accessories, advocated by fashion merchants, including the most famous Rose Bertin for Marie-Antoinette and Louis Hippolyte Leroy for Joséphine de Beauharnais.