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Robe à la française

ca. 1770
Not on view
Gowns in the eighteenth century were supported by rounded side hoops of different extension and depth. A wider dress would have been narrower in profile. In the instance of a gown of less width, the depth of the hoops and the robe à la française construction would have consumed as much fabric as the planar version. In both instances, a woman so garbed had to pass sideways through a doorway. This gown has an ingenious drawstring arrangement at the sides that adjusts either to fit over a small pannier, or, when fully released, to accommodate one about four feet across, creating the illusion of a tiny waist.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Robe à la française
  • Date: ca. 1770
  • Culture: French
  • Medium: silk
  • Credit Line: Purchase, Irene Lewisohn Bequest, 1961
  • Object Number: C.I.61.34a, b
  • Curatorial Department: The Costume Institute

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