I’m just going to admit it: I flippin’ *loved* the Canal+ show “Versailles.” Loved it. Binged it. Binged it again. When it comes to historical costumes in television shows and movies, I…
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The 1630 Thang – Finishing the Bodies
Dayum she looks good! 1630 Dutch formal basque bodice with ribbon points. It’s been a few weeks since I started the yellow and black bumblebee-lobster bodice/bodies/smooth-covered stays for my 1630 ensemble, and…
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The 1630s Dutch Thang – Badonk-a-donk, Petticoat, and Starting the Bodies
Just playing around with pinning things on my dress form Now into the making up! I’ve been stitching on my big 1630 project and quite enjoying the process. There’s enough weirdness here…
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The 1630 Dutch *Thang* – Beginnings
A still from “Tulip Fever” (2017) – outstanding costuming by Michael O’Connor. As so often happens, after a no-sew period of downtime and feeling phlegmatic about costuming, I was struck by a…
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A 1630s Dutch Mistress
A still from “Tulip Fever,” a beautiful film with some very very historically accurate 1630s costuming. Oh boy, am I torn on Costume College Gala plans for 2019. I really want to…
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What to Do When Someone Else is Making the Same Dress As You…
(….or has made the same dress…) Do it anyway! I’ve recently been eyeballing the 1660 bodice from the V&A, remembering how much I love the 1660s and that I’ve only made one…
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Tulip Fever – Hello, Early 17th Century
Holliday Granger as Marie in “Tulip Fever.” Lauren here – This past weekend, we went to see “Tulip Fever,” a film set in 1630s Amsterdam. Though the movie suffers from mixed reviews,…
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Podcast Episode 9: Early 17th Century Women’s Dress with Samantha McCarty
Hello Lovelies! Abby here! On this week’s episode of Fashion History with American Duchess, I got to sit down with Samantha McCarty (Couture Courtesan) and chat with her about her other topic…
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Podcast Episode 3: All About the Louis Exclusive c. 1660-1720
Hi All! For this week’s episode, Abby & Lauren sit down and chat about the newest Exclusive offering from American Duchess – The Louis (Pre-Order open until May 19th! $295) Our Louis…
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EXCLUSIVE! “Louis” Velveteen & Embroidered Baroque Shoes
OK, I know, it’s taken us half a year to get the new Exclusives going, but now that we’re here…. Meet “Louis,” the new velveteen, leather, and silver embroidered shoes now available…
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17th Century Inspiration Strikes Again!
I have only made one 17th century gown and I loved it. It was polyester satin and featured spray-painted lace, but I adored that gown. Somebody else is adoring it now, and…
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“Virginia” Renaissance Shoes GIVEAWAY!
Today’s the day, my darling dears – “Virginia,” our new Renaissance shoe, has opened for pre-order, which also means it’s giveaway time! Here’s the lo-down on Virginia: All-leather construction: upper, lining, sole…
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How One Fugly Loafer Became the Gorgeous “Virginia” Renaissance Shoe
The development story of our new “Virginia” Renaissance shoes is rather a long one (but I’ll keep it short, with lots of pictures, promise!). We’ve been working on the design since March,…
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A Quick Look At Late Elizabethan/Early Jacobean Shoes
Today we kick off a series on European footwear at the end of Elizabeth I’s reign, and beginning of James I’s, culminating on Friday with the pre-order release of our latest early-period…
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On Location at Bacon’s Castle – Journey to the 17th, 18th, and 19th Centuries
The Lady of Portland House shines in “Antoinette” Mules in blue While I was in Virginia this past March, I had the opportunity to work with some truly wonderful ladies at a…
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Ladies’ Elizabethan Separates Explored
Last time, I was musing over trim styles on doublets, but towards the end of that post I realized that perhaps the design I had in mind was a “fair-ism,” something that…
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Elizabethan Doublet Trimming Ideas
Diane d’Andouins by Etienne Dumonstier Earlier this year, when I was feverishly sewing for Colonial Williamsburg, I put together a quick test bodice in some russet velveteen. It was just to test…
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My Annual Sewing Rut
Once again, I have absolutely no motivation to make a single stitch of anything lately. I’ve learned that this is quite normal, and that if I force the issue I’ll regret it.…
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Shoes for Jamestown, and Williamsburg, and Whoopi Goldberg
I have some exciting news to share with you all! While I was in Williamsburg, I had a couple meetings with the costume departments of Colonial Williamsburg and Jamestown, both of which…
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Introducing “Stratford” Elizabethan Shoes for Men and Women
I’m so happy to present to you “Stratford” Elizabethan Shoes, the product of blood, sweat, tears, and a great collaboration with Francis C. Classe, an excellent historical cordwainer (shoemaker) and footwear historian.…
