Ackermann’s Fashion Plates August 1813

 

This month’s fashions celebrate Wellington’s June 1813 victory at Vittoria, which led to the collapse of French rule in Spain. The evening dress in Plate 11 is labeled “The Vittoria or Wellington Costume,” although I don’t think there is anything in particular about its design that would lead one to think of either the English general or the town in which 1813’s battle was fought. Is a dress with “shoulders, back, and bosom much exposed” a sign of celebration? Or the bosom covered by “shell-scalloped lace”?

 

 

 

The Wellington celebration continues in this month’s fabric samples, with Thomas and Co. silk-mercers selling a “Wellington colonnade satin crape or gause, which can be had of ht proprietors in the varied colours of the season.” But other fabric purchasers may have had something other than the war in mind; the “variegated check gingam” in sample #1 is suggested not only for “the intermediate order of costume,” but also for “the sea-side trowser or bathing-wrap.” Is the sea-side trowser in question is part of a woman’s bathing costume? Or simply part of an outfit she might wear when promenading on the beach? My understanding is that many of those who engaged in sea bathing during the Regency did so in the nude…