For koshka_the_cat

[frualeydis]

and anybody else interested. I got the book 200 Jahre Mode from the "Museum für Angewandte Kunst" in Köln from the library the other day. There really were some lovely dresses in there, but this "gesellschaftskleid" from 1866 stood out especially.

(click on it and you getter a larger image)
The colours didn't really come out well in the scan, but they're bright royal blue, bright red and a strong, light green. Very sharp and strong colours. I haven't decided if I need to make it or not. I would love to, but I would have nowhere to wear it.

Comments

[jenthompson.livejournal.com]

Damn. That thing could induce seizures.

They really did love those hideous plaids, didn't they? It's a nice cut though.

[idahoswede.livejournal.com]

I've done a couple of those gowns from the 1860s-1880s, lots of fun, LOTs of boning and underwear. Once they discovered the aniline dye processing, colors got to be SO much fun. I have an intensely purple Charles Worth walking dress that I would love to make and be buried in (eventually).

[melaniesuzanne.livejournal.com]

I think I've gone blind. The green fringe amuses me.

[joyeuse60.livejournal.com]

Oh Dammmmmmm!!! That is bright and wouldn't I love to make it...grin. Trouble is I would never find a fabric even close to that and then get it made before our next Victorian picnic in September

[frualeydis.livejournal.com]

There are some pretty loud plaid dupionis out there. Denver fabrics (http://www.denverfabrics.com/) used to have some varieties, but it doesn't seem so now.
I love the fringe too. And in the book you can see that the fringe and the ribbon around the neck isn't the same shade of poison green, the ribbon is a little yellower and lighter.
Anyway, I have a back photo too, but it was much smaller:

(http://photobucket.com)

Of course it has a sash :)

[koshka-the-cat.livejournal.com]

Oh wow. That's awesome! I really think you should make it. Who doesn't need a shockingly bright plaid 1860s dress!

[green-martha.livejournal.com]

Eeeep ! If a dress manages to hurt my eyes, I suppose the colors are really reaaaally bright. Love it though... or because of it :D