Well, the great Ackermann’s Fashion Plate project had to go on an unexpected hiatus this summer, due to some personal business that had to be dealt with. But with fall on the horizon, the project is back on track, with two lovely dresses from the July 1812 issue.
The first is an embroidered crepe round evening gown, featuring what are described as “melon” sleeves, with “bosom and back to correspond.” The sleeves do not puff out as much as one might expect from what we now call a “melon sleeve”:
But the back bodice does look as if it is gathered in an unusual way for a Regency period dress:
Ackermann’s Vol VII, no. xliii, plate 4
The second dress, a Promenade Gown, also features an unusual sleeve design, which the text terms a “Waggoner’s sleeve.” It appears to be a sleeve tied at regular intervals to create puffs. Sarah’s History Spot calls such a design “Mameluke” sleeves, while Trish Newbery’s Fashion Design School uses the more tasty term “bon bon” sleeves. No matter the name, the sleeve gives a medieval touch to this Regency day dress. Not sure what to say about that “Highland helmet,” though…
Ackermann’s Vol VII, no. xliii, plate 5
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