FOUNDATIONS REVEALED COMPETITION ENTRY
Cinderella, But Make It Regency!
(click images to to enlarge)
Other Credits
Photos by Darwin Rosa Forca
Outline the story …
This look is a late Georgian take on the Cinderella story, "Cendrillon" by Charles Perrault (published in 1697). I was making the overrobe when the contest theme was announced, and figured it would be perfect! In the tale, Cinderella’s godmother conjures a perfect gown for the ball and a pair of glass slippers. My slippers are silver silk satin with leather soles and a small wooden heel, which I think must be far more comfy. The photos include only one shoe, because Cinderella loses one of her slippers fleeing on the second night of the ball. The gown is the quintessential white of the early Regency, with a gathered front, and the sleeveless teal overrobe is also characteristic of the time.
Outline the construction…
I created a shift, a set of stays from Corsets & Crinolines by Norah Waugh, two bodiced petticoats, a slightly trained gown, and a slightly trained overrobe. I also made a Regency style dancing slipper, and a wrap for my hair. The gown pattern is a modified version of the round gown from the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. This is my second Regency gown made using historical methods, and it went together pretty easily. The stays took a a long time, but I love them. The hardest part of the whole make was teaching myself how to make shoes. Unable to get my hands on an extant pair, I searched the Met online for examples and watched YouTube videos on shoe making. I read a shoe making manual from the 1830s, and Nicole Rudolph’s booklet on 18th century turn shoes, and then I just put it all into practice. It was quite hard on my hands, and there’s definitely a little blood inside the shoe, but it came out rather well, I think! I’m excited to make more, in fact. My only regret is that I didn’t have time to buy or make kidskin gloves to complete the look, but there just wasn’t time.
I LOVE the idea of a Regency Cinderella!! What a beautiful color, it looks fabulous on you
Your Cinderella is beautiful! I love the dress! You look gorgeous! Love the combination of colors. I wish I could see the shoes!
I followed the link to their instagram and there are photos of the shoes on there!
Bloody shoes are quite popular in classic fairytales. Congratulations on great work! It’s beautiful.
Tessara, Holy crap!! I’m in awe that you made a shoe to go with this!! Wow.
I love the whole idea and look of your ensemble, and your execution and attention to details with the stays and layers of petticoats is lovely:)
Did you use a pattern for your overrobe? I absolutely love the style and it’s inspired me to make one for myself, too!!
This is so nice. I love it! Very flowy, well done! Thank you!
So inspired to delve into regency now. And glass slippers!
Such a great look! And that fact that you made so many items, it is truly incredible! Well done!
Absolutely stunning.