Abby works on Cynthia's (Redthreaded) hair while I photographs each step for "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty," coming July 2019.
Hi! I've been a pretty terrible blogger again this year, but I have a good excuse this time. We've been working on our second book, "The American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Beauty," for the entire year thus far.
Behind the scenes with Nicole (Diary of a Mantua Maker) for the 1781-83 hairstyle and accessories photos.
While we've been sharing parts of our journey on Instagram stories, I realize we haven't really shared much about our explorations and projects on our regular IG and FB feeds or here on the blog. So...without further ado...
A quick description of what you can expect in the new book...
We're including original 18th century recipes and how-to's in the book, so you can make your own natural beauty products.
...original recipes for pomatum, powder, rouge, and lip salve, and the tools of your toilette...
...various methods of curling and for various types of hair, including Asian and African hair...
We've worked with as many hair types as possible in the book - here Jasmine is being coiffed a la 1780.
...full how-to's of hair styles from the 1750s to the 1790s and all the cushions and stuff you need to create them...
We're including patterns and tutorials for making the necessary hair cushions to get those great heights in the 1770s - here Laurie Tavan reveals the secret, a giant "donut" hair cushion.
...patterns and tutorials for accessories for every hairstyle, including caps, hats, a calash bonnet, lappets, and a pouf...
...plus lots of meaty essays about hygiene, styling, trends, and myths. Woo!
The infamous calash bonnet in progress - we give the pattern and a step-by-step guide for this tricky yet epic piece of head gear.
We're finishing up the manuscript now to meet our September 30th deadline, followed by all the photography, illustrations, and patterning a couple weeks later. Then the book will go into editing and layout, ready for release in July 2019. That seems like a long time from now but a lot of work goes in even after the manuscript is written. There will be a pre-order opening sometime in the next 6 months, darlings - we'll let you know!
So looking forward to this book! Finally pre-ordered mine. Love to see that you have information for people with different types of hair (although it doesn't affect me, facilitating diversity in costuming is AWESOME!!!). Keep up the amazing work! Cynthia looks gorgeous (as ever, as do you all) in the video and pictures.
I'll get a copy for sure! Was it easier/faster to make than the first one?
ReplyDeleteSweet! Yes, the projects didn't take nearly as long as the first book.
DeleteI'm glad to hear it!
DeleteThat's so exciting! I'll be buying this one too, along with any other future books or patterns!
ReplyDeleteThank you! We hope you like it!
DeleteYou make me want to do 18th century so much!!
ReplyDeleteYes!
ReplyDeleteExciting! I can't wait to own one. I'm especially pleased to hear that you're including a variety of hair types. YAY, and thank you!
ReplyDeleteBest,
Quinn
Calash Bonnets are so dope!! Really looking forward to this book (and everything y'all do!)
ReplyDeleteLooks like it's going to be fabulous, ladies!! Anxiously awaiting pre-order time!
ReplyDeleteSo looking forward to this book! Finally pre-ordered mine. Love to see that you have information for people with different types of hair (although it doesn't affect me, facilitating diversity in costuming is AWESOME!!!). Keep up the amazing work! Cynthia looks gorgeous (as ever, as do you all) in the video and pictures.
ReplyDelete