Making a Late 18th Century Wardrobe:
Pet-en-l'air or Robe à la Française

CLASS DESCRIPTION

PREREQUISITE: Students taking this class must own 18th century stays or have taken Janice's 18th Century Stays class.

 Getting married? Stepping a minuet at the Governor's Palace? Attending the Assembly at Bath? This is the gown for you! The Robe à la Française is the quintessential 18th century gown. It was the gown of queens and aristocrats, ladies maids, and farmer's wives, depending on the fabric. This gown has often been called a "Watteau" gown, because he painted it so often. First coming into it's own in the 1750's, this style remained popular through the 1770's. Fitted closely to the torso in front, the back of the gown descends from shoulders to hemline in graceful pleats. This gown was one of the most flattering gowns ever worn.

Janice P. Ryan
Historic Clothing Patternmaker

 

 Janice's Bio

Email: Janice

 Class Syllabus

 Cost for Class only: $75

The pattern must be ordered from the instructor at The Recollections of JP Ryan The cost of the pattern is $18.00.

 Class Start Date:
SEMESTER CLASS: see information on top of page, below class title

 Duration of class: 5 lessons, self-paced.

In its shortened form, it was usually called a pet-en-l'air. How this name came to be applied to this garment is open to speculation, as the literal translation is "fart in the air." In its earliest forms, the jacket was often knee-length, gradually becoming shorter over time. Eventually, the jacket became a style of it's own, and was last seen hip-length with a center front closure in the 1780's.

My Robe à la Française pattern was designed for the changeable female figure. With built in tapes and laces, the jacket/gown can be let out or taken in at least one full size, if not two. If you are in the increasing way, it will be wearable for at least the first five months of your confinement!

The construction of the pet-en-l'air requires some previous sewing experience, and is not a suitable first project for the beginner. If you have made your own stays, or my caraco, you will be able to make this gown. As with all my patterns, it is designed to be worn over stays and will not fit properly over a 21st century body wearing modern undergarments.

PREREQUISITE: Students taking this class must own 18th century stays or have taken Janice's 18th Century Stays class.

Pattern sizes - 6/8 thru 22/24

Suggested - Pocket hoops (pattern available) or oval hoops

Pattern price - $20, including shipping

front and back views

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