Thanks to author Loretta Chase for posting this charming dress on her Facebook page.
To see the exquisite embroidery in more detail, visit
on the V&A website.
From the V&A website: "This evening ensemble characterises Neo-classical dress of the early 19th century. The high-waisted style with short sleeves imitated the forms of Greek and Roman dress seen in surviving sculpture. The white muslin fabrics used for these gowns were either imported from India or, in the case of this example, made in Europe to imitate Indian materials. A design of acorns and vine tendrils has been worked in down the front and around the hem of the gown.
A scarf of knitted silk has been printed in a pattern similar to those of the popular Indian cashmere shawls.
Evening dress of white muslin, embroidered all over in white cotton. The embroidery is worked in a pattern of French knots, with the collars, skirt border, and centre stripe embroidered in chain stitch. The design links vine tendrils and acorns. The dress has a low square neck adjusted with a draw-cord, and 'stomacher' front closing over inner lining flaps. The waist is high and the skirt cut straight and gathered at the centre of the back, fastening with a tape tie. It extends into a long oval train. The sleeves are short and have a 'vandyke' trimming."
©Victoria and Albert Museum, London
And many thanks to Loretta Chase for her wonderful novels.
We await the third Difficult Duke's story eagerly.
