Sometimes early textiles just cry out for a specific event of activity…can’t you just see this in an Impressionist painting with beautiful ladies and gentlemen in pale linen relaxing in the dappled sunlight? This is how I usually approach gown designs of the Victorian Era, function first.

I did all that pleating this past winter in anticipation of this spring gown, all original embroidered organza. I feel a Victorian picnic coming on… <3