Character:
Rose Bertin (1747- 1812) born in England started her fantastic career as an apprentice to a Paris milliner. With her innovative ideas and creativity she won her way into dressing and designing for Marie Antoinette and her court. She set up shop in the court of Versailles and possibly created the first formal couture collection. Together with the queen, Rose began setting the standard of dressing blending Rococo and English simplicity resulting in a fresh Romantic mode.
Being that Marie Antoinette hated wearing the restricting undergarments, the pannier began decreasing in size and corsetry became practically non-existent by the Empire era. This apparent trend spread across the land via dolls replicated in their latest creations. By influencing so many women and making glamour an elite business, it has been said that Rose Bertin should be credited with the concept of Haute Couture.
Description:
Classic rose-colored stripes covered in whimsical velvet flowers, celebrates Roses’ style. The over-all color pallet is kept muted in very light pinks and blushes. The petticoat has a scallop hem with ruffled trims separated by ribbon roses; lace swags adorn the front tied up with sheer ribbon bows with velvet flower centers. The overskirt has taffeta zigzag serpentine connected by rosettes with plenty of ruffles and beaded trim detailing the outer edges; attaching to the bodice with cartridge pleating.
The bodice is laced up in the center-back with ruched taffeta and beading all along the neckline. Her stomacher is simple but elegant incorporating more beading with gold trim accents in a typical lace up fashion topped off with a lace bow. Large beautifully beaded lace cuffs are encircled by a 2-piece scallop shaped rococo cuff edged again with ruffled taffeta and beaded trim; the elbow detail incorporates a wide silk ribbon with sprigs of pansy’s and roses in the center of a bow.
Her accessories include a corresponding rose choker; rosettes shoe clips; a rose/feather plumage headpiece with pearls dripping around her powdered wig; an unpretentious lace drawstring purse; and a harmonizing fan/mirror picking up all of the details of the dress held by mesh gloves.
Like decorating a cake her frills and superfluous details made everyone feel like a queen….. Perhaps Rose was wearing something similar when she first met the queen, enticing her fantastical whims.
* The retail price for replication includes the base price of the dress and all extras shown in photo. This costume is available for "Rental" at Behind the Scenes Costume shop, info under links. |
