Designing historical reproduction footwear is a unique process. In addition to all the regular aspects of shoe design, there is a major research component- much like historical costuming! Over our time researching…
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Designing Historical Shoes: 18th-Century Style
Did you know that American Duchess has been designing 18th-century shoes since 2011? In fact, our very first design ever was the “Georgiana,” a satin 18th-century latchet shoe. (Oh, and here’s a…
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American Duchess x Bata Shoe Museum: History of the Museum and it’s Founder
The second week of our In Bloom collaboration collection pre-order with the Bata Shoe Museum is underway, and we are just thrilled with the reception it has received! It makes us so…
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UPDATE: The Scandalous Tango Boots!
Around the time of the turn of the 20th century, a new dance craze swept the Western world. The dance was risque and immensely popular, first introduced to Paris by the sons…
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What Is a “Hedgehog” Hairstyle *Really*?
A lady sporting the hedgehog hairstyle – 1775-78. Gallerie des Modes, MFA.org 44.1344 It is a truth universally acknowledged that all 18th century historic costumers, when we first start, quickly come into…
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The “En Fourreau” Myth
NOPE In our modern world there is much of the past that has been obscured. Looking through the lens of time, especially when you have to peer through the film of the…
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The State of the Book (2) Address
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…
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What is an 18th Century Milliner / Marchande de Modes?
La Marchande des Modes (The Modiste) – Studio of Francois Boucher – c. 1746. Wallace Collection When you’re just starting off in the world of 18th century dress, terminology can be *so*…
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What I’ve Learned About the 1830s in 2.75 Days
Dress, c. 1835 – FIDM Though I have less and less time to devote to making historical costumes these days (ironically, but such is running two footwear companies), I still love a…
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The Real American Duchesses: Part 1
Hello Lovelies! As you all know, this blog and shoe company are called American Duchess – but would you believe we’re not the first American Duchess(es) to exist? Nope! Indeed, there have…
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Trends – Late 18th Century Flippy-Flappies
The Met – Robe a l’Anglaise – 1785-87 When we start out in costuming for a particular era, we think in centuries – the 18th century, the 19th century – and quickly…
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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 8: It’s not just One Direction: The Many Hairy Styles of 18th Century Women
Hi All! Abby here with Episode 8 of Fashion History with American Duchess! This is Part 2 of our 18th Century Hair convo. Last week we talked about hygiene, hair care, and…
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Podcast Episode 7: Did They Have BUGS in Their Hair?! 18th Century Hair & Hygiene
Hi All – Abby here and I am very pleased to release this weeks episode of Fashion History with American Duchess – “Hair, Hygiene, and the 18th Century Woman” – as it is…
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Episode 6 – Enslaved People’s Dress in the 18th & 19th Century with Cheyney McKnight
Hey Everyone! Cheyney McKnight (Photo: LoomHappenings) Today, we are very excited to share our newest episode for Fashion History with American Duchess! In April, Abby got a chance to sit down with…
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Guts – Inspecting the Insides of 18th Century Garments
Vintage Textile, c. 1780s (click through for more). This is the waist edge at the center back of the bodice. Lauren here > Historical costuming is a journey. It starts with an…
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1820s Green Dress Construction Details – Bodice
Happy Friday! Abby here again for more yummy 1820s Green Dress construction info & detail shots! If you missed previous posts you can check out the general observation & sleeve details, dating,…
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How to Research Like a Boss: Part 6
How to be a Boss at Research Part 6: I’ve done all this research & I want to share it with the world – Rules of Engagement For Review: Part 1, Part…
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How to Research like a Boss – Part 5
How to Research like a Boss: Part 5 – Tertiary Sources & the Changing Research World – Rules of Engagement, or, Facebook with Caution. (For Review: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3,…
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How to be a Boss at Research – Part 4
How to be a Boss at Research Part 4: Secondary Sources – Rules of Engagement. Hey Y’all! Here we are at Part 4 of this series (Part 1, Part 2, Part 3)…
