Anna-Louisa, October 2009

Anna was so excited at the prospect of going to Whitby Gothic Festival and after perusing my sample books, fell in love with the stunning purple and sparkly black silk which was woven to order in England. The outfit, while needing to be suitably Gothic-Victorian, also needed to be practical and re-useable as well as looking different from ‘Josephine’. 

Anna-Louisa took inspiration from the bustle styles of the 1880s (known as the ‘natural form’ due to the less distinctly protruding posterior) and was a more elegant and elongated look.  After trying on a couple of different styles, Anna opted for a traditional fishtail skirt in black taffeta which was given a more Victorian look with a detachable, ruched and gathered train, tied with velvet and organza ribbons.

The corset was made from the gorgeous, specially woven silk and trimmed with black satin. It looks stunning whether worn with the full ensemble or just with the fishtail skirt. The remainder of the purple and black silk was used to create a polonaise-style jacket.

A polonaise is basically where the excess fabric at the bottom of the jacket is gathered up to create a decorative bustle style. The jacket is collarless and open at the front to reveal the corset, apart from a single buttoned tab to help nip it in at the waist. The jacket lining is also decoratively quilted for warmth.

Anna’s fabulous hat is decorated by herself and it looks just brilliant with her outfit!