I have not worked on dresses for quite some time, but I figured it was time to try some new things again! (My last dresses were those Renaissance dresses, I believe?). Alas, Ethel had me all to himself for a while, but the last few days he has been covered in ruffles, like myself! I think the 1890s is a interesting period in terms of fashion. The skirts are closer to the hips than in the previous decades, and a lot of emphasize (and mockery) is based on poofy sleeves, especially in the earlier years. Fashion is slightly less extravagant, but therefore not any less beautiful or luxurious! I have to say I had a lot of fun trying to play with clothes a bit again, and I think I will continue to do so, but for different time periods each time, because I like to learn new things, and share them with you guys!
Now, down to business. All gowns come for L$ 200, hats and kokoshniks are included, so are a matching pair of shoes. They are transferable, and can be bought on the SL Marketplace.
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MODE-Russian-Court-Gown-Tatiana-2/5477098
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MODE-Evening-gown-Anastasia/5477103
https://marketplace.secondlife.com/p/MODE-Day-dress-Olga/5477112
Now the following dress, the Tatiana (named after one of Nicolas II's daughters), I found a very interesting dress to make, because it was a dress I never heard of until I actually came across it doing some research for these new dresses! It was based on French fashions, and was also called the "Frenchified sarafan", the sarafan is a a traditional Russian dress. By a decree of Nicolas II in 1834 rules were set about this dress, regarding whom could wear which color, the length of the train etc. It would only be used for ceremonial functions, not balls or dinners.
However, what I found the most interesting was the Kokoshnik, which is traditional Russian headwear, and was usually worn with the previously mentioned sarafan! In all those beautiful pictures, we see the court gown accompanied by a beautiful tiara, and I was confused, as protocol prescribed a Kokoschnik! So, annoying as I am, haha, I mailed a expert and asked, who enligthened me, " The Kokoshnik is not defined by its materials, but by its shape. A kokoshnik's form does not change, though the materials of its construction may. A plain velvet Kokoshnik would have been just as acceptable at court as a massive tiara in the Kokoshnik shape. " Thanks to Nick Nicholoson for the help, I would suggest you take a look at some of the things he has done (I see he wrote a Pierre Gilliard biography), when you are interested. Married women had a veil to go with it, the Tatiana Kokoshnik comes both with and without veil.
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updated by @marielouise-harcourt: 15 Jan 2017 10:11:55AM
). Looking forward to more!!
