Dressing History is able to supply thoroughly researched, highly accurate reproductions or recreations of historical garments from any era, and from a variety of social classes. We use exclusively natural fibres, and try, where possible, to use authentically woven fabrics. Many of our pieces are based on original garments, portraits or fashion plates, and a research portfolio is available for each garment. A selection of our previous work is shown below. Please contact us for more details and for applicable prices.
1588 Needlewoman
1588 Needlewoman's outfit, made for use at Kentwell Hall's Grand Annual Re-creation. The outfit comprises of a murrey coloured wool Kirtle, with black velvet guards and a matching pair of sleeves, and a black wool english gown.
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1780 Lydia Languish
Costume made for the character of Lydia Languish in Sheridan's The Rivals. The dress is copied from an extant 1770-80s Polonaise, and is worn over a silk quilted petticoat. The back is cut en fourreau, and the fabric is a printed cotton chintz.
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1785 Macclesfield Silk
Dress based on an extant garment at the Gallery of Fashion, made in silk that was woven at Macclesfield silk mills. The dress has a vandyked collar and laces up the front with silk ribbons.
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1745 Riding Habit
The riding habit is based on various extant garments and portraits, and is made of green wool lined with white linen. It is entirely handsewn and costructed using contemporary methods.
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1797 Open Robe
Open robe created for use in Jane Austen historical interpretation, taking inspiration from fashion plates, and using an original example in the V&A to base the design on. The robe is created using tiny pleats, as seen in the detail picture, which are all handsewn down.
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1864 Blouse and Skirt
Muslin blouse with ruched, puffed sleeves and ruched collar, with black velvet swiss waist and shot taffeta skirt with black trim. Taken from fashion plates in The Englishwoman's Domestic Magazine.
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C18th Maid
Complete 18th century maids' outfit, made for use in National Trust historical interpretation. Made from printed calico from the National Trust's Styal Mill and with a skirt of brown wool. On the apron sits a brass pin. Design taken from various descriptions and engravings. Fastens with pins down the front.
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1837 Spotted Cotton
Made for historical interpretation work as Charlotte Bronte. It is made of a white cotton with a silk spot, and has piping in white satin around the bodice and cuffs. Design taken from fashion plates and an extant dress in Gloucester Museum.
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serena@dressing-history.co.uk