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

Introduction

• Revival of the "Dress Analytics" series in video form.
• Focus on Madame de Pompadour's famous Robe a la Francaise from a 1756 painting by Francois Boucher.

Robe a la Francaise Details

• Known as a 'sacque' gown, popular in the 1750s.
• Worn over large side hoops called paniers or pocket hoops.
• Gowns had matching petticoats, separate stomacher often contrasting in color.
• Open in front, pinned at the sides of the stomacher.
• Notable for 'eschelles' (bows) on stomachers.

Sleeve Flounces

• Large sleeve flounces with 5-6 ruffles, including three lace and two to three silk backing.
• Made of fine laces, embroidered lawns, and voiles.

Fabric and Trim

• Gown made of silk, possibly taffeta, without pattern.
• High-quality, tightly woven silks.
• Pinked trim on the gown and petticoat edges.
• Frills of gathered lace and fabric roses adorn the gown.

Accessories

• Bows on the stomacher are subtly striped silk ribbon with picot edge.
• Ribbon chokers and pearl bracelets adorned Madame Pompadour.
• Bouquet at the shoulder and flowers in hair.

Footwear

• Laced mules in pink silk with high leather-wrapped French heels.
• Ivory-colored silk stockings.

Costume Recreation

• Patterns and resources: Simplicity 8578 and 8579.
• Recommended pairing with "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking."
• Fabric sources: Renaissance Fabrics, Burnley & Trowbridge Pure Silks, and Silk Baron.

Hairstyling and Accessories

• Hairstyling guide in "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty" for authentic look.
• Products for 18th-century shoes and stockings available at AmericanDuchess.com.

Conclusion

• Encouragement to comment, ask questions, and subscribe for more content.