Dress Analytics: Examining Madame de Pompadour's Robe a la Francaise

Introduction

• Reviving "Dress Analytics" in video form to explore historical dresses.
• Focus on Madame de Pompadour's famous Robe a la Francaise.
• Painted by Francois Boucher in 1756.

Key Features of the Robe a la Francaise

• Known as a "sacque," worn over large side hoops called paniers or pocket hoops.
• Robe a la Francaise features:
  • Matching petticoats.
  • Open in the front, closed at the sides with a stomacher.
  • Eschelles (a series of bows) on the stomacher.
  • Multiple sleeve flounces (5-6 ruffles), made of lace and backed with matching silk.

Fabric and Materials

• Madame de Pompadour's gown is made of silk, possibly taffeta.
• Silk is tightly woven and high quality, with no pattern or figure.
• Pinked self-fabric trim along gown and petticoat edges.
• Frills of gathered lace and fabric roses adorn the dress.

Accessories

• Subtly striped silk ribbon bows with picot edge on stomacher and sleeves.
• Ribbon chokers and pearl bracelets as iconic accessories.
• Large bouquet on dress shoulder and flowers in hair.
• Pink silk laced mules and ivory silk stockings.

Dressmaking and Resources

• Patterns: Simplicity 8578 and 8579 for complete outfit creation.
• Reference: "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking" for hand sewing techniques and patterns.
• Fabric sources: Renaissance Fabrics, Burnley & Trowbridge Pure Silks, and Silk Baron.

Styling and Finishing Touches

• Hair styling: Follow "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty" for the 1750s powdered look.
• Shoes and stockings available at AmericanDuchess.com.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to comment, ask questions, or subscribe for more content.
• First episode aims to provide a detailed look at a historical dress.