How much should a corset cost?
A corset maker explains in detail why custom corsetry may look expensive, and explains why a custom piece is worth the cost.
Lots of things I wanted to know on historical corsetry
Curious about historical corsets? Learn how corsets worked, why they were worn, common myths, historical construction techniques, comfort, health concerns, and how corsetry evolved through the centuries.
Historical Corsets Explained: History, Myths, Comfort, Health and Frequently Asked Questions
A few basics about corsetry, from someone who has been making and wearing them for more than fifteen years, and has also a physiotherapy degree
A few of my less favourite things: the overbearing criticism on the Thistles dress
How to design a dress you both love and hate. How to fall in love with the idea, struggle with it and then fall in love again like in the best romance novels, just to end up with a real object and a real life relationship with a piece that is necessarily not perfect.
Venetian Renaissance Fashion
A few info on venetian historical fashion Since I made my first venetian-inspired pink dress, people has been coming to me to ask questions about venetian fashion history. I am not an expert, but do have a quite rare book about the matter: Abiti Antichi e moderni dei Veneziani, by the much missed Doretta Davanzo…
Une Robe Fée pour Versailles
Une Robe Fée pour Versailles The Robe Fée is a much lesser known type of dress from the 18th century. Its characteristic features are the use of spangles embellished organza, of metallic lace, and the choice of only one pastel color. The fabric must be spun from spiderwebs, rigorously picked when still beaded with morning…
Dressing the late victorian woman
Short essay about different outfits in a woman’s wardrobe.
Little guide 1890-1910
A little guide to how fashion changed from 1890 to 1907
Night lily dressing gown
Light and sheer dressing gown.
Tintype ready
How do antique photography technique work? How to better prepare yourself before posing for a plate.
How can I make my historical costume look good?
A list of tricks and things to keep in mind to start filling the gap between fancy dress and historical clothing.
Venetian courtesan
My interpretation of a fresco from a fairytale beauty and the beast bookshop, representing a venetian 1570-ish dress
1790s riding outfit
The adventure of making a 18th century riding habit and changing your mind about how to make it more times than you should.
Fortuny experiments
Working on some experiments on Fortuny Delphos gowns.
Why so silent?
Working on the Phantom of the Opera -movie- costume from Why so Silent. With a hint of thought about Napoleon’s wardrobe.
The Victorian Volcano
Inspired by a 1890s original bodice, this gown is made recycling pieces of an other costume.
Wine velvet robe
The making of a wine velvet german court robe.
Death, the apocalypse rider
Historical and fantasy inspired men’s ensemble for one of the Apocalypse riders.
Tchaikovsky coat
This is one of the historically inspired coats from my Royal Reverie collection
Tete de mouton wig
A 1750s style wig, perfect to match a robe à la française or most of mid-century outfits. Very soft and natural looking.
Men’s full bottom wig
A dramatic style of wig, perfect for Louis XIV, and the second half of the XVII century. But would also make a terrific Captain Hook.
Robe en chemise
Making of the gown from Vestier’s painting “Portrait of a Lady with a book”, as a mix between a robe en chemise and a round gown, keeping it quite historically accurate, even if machine sewn.
Vanity Fair, a regency inspired dress
A basic gown, correct in shape, yet striking in color, making you pop out of the nightgown-like audience of regency events, on a budget.
Half mourning ensemble, in black and blue
What shall we do with a dozen of black soutache appliqués, stored for too long? A nice 1900s day outfit. And, of course, a giant matching hat.
Dionaea Muscipula, a 1890s inspired ensemble
A 1890s outfit inspired both by Burton’s work and Crimson Peak. I’ve been also told that the arnivore-plant-like shape and the fishing bates give it a Harry Potter universe look.