Clarrisa’s undergarments of the
Georgian period consist of the – the panier which the ladies wore to enhance
the shape of the elaborate gowns of the day.
The bodice which I have made from damask silk has lent itself perfectly for support and
shape, aiding the forced full bossom. I hand dyed the gold lace to contrast with the
bodice which seems to work well with the ruby stone effect fasteners up the
front.
Seems ashame to cover it over
with a gown, we see people wearing much
less in today’s fashions. I made the
pannier (or improvers, as they were sometimes referred to)in 3 tiers to give a gradual shape this was
covered with silk and pretty lace.
I watched a programme recently which
demonstrated how these ladies went to the toilet in this gear – which was
basically done whilst stood up using a contraption which after use was then given to a
poor servant to dispose of, don’t suppose they washed their hands after, they were
pretty much an unhygienic lot.
Her shoes are also made from silk
which I have finished off with tiny seed beads, which you can just make out in
the picture – I love the shape of the ladies Georgian shoe, they usually look
so delicate when exhibited as museums. Clarrisa’s
patch is in a position which I understand implies she has kissable lips – if my
research serves me correctly, I do know they varied in shape and the position
also denoted something specific, I did read they were originally used to cover
pox marks.
Elsa's attire consists of a
tea-gown which is a soft floaty fine silk fabric, trimmed with lace. The undergarments
of the Edwardian era afforded considerable comfort and freedom of corsetry compared
to previous eras -the pretty laced bodice is made from cotton batiste with
matching drawers.
Elsa is in the midst of dressing for the evening but is interupted by a letter from an admirer, her tea gowns drapes off her shoulders. 
I love all the beautiful laces and silks of the
past periods, I know, they were far from practical and as for wearing all those layers in this muggy
weather we are experiencing at the moment – somewhat fragrant?
Georgian Clarrisa and Edwardian Elsa, I wonder what
they would talk about or think about each other if we could bring them together?
I am going to be exhibiting these 2 ladies next week at the York Miniature Fair.
