Bluebelle

Bluebelle is an 1850s evening gown inspired by paintings such as ‘The Empress Eugenie and her Ladies’ by F. Winterhalter and was created for a scene in a local film production. It is made from a beautiful pale blue silk woven with a silver and blue floral motif. The bodice is a classic mid-Victorian shape, off the shoulder and fitting closely to the waist with a pointed shape to the centre front.  The pleated bertha collar is fitted to the shape of the shoulders and the edges finished with a neat row of piping (a finish typical of Victorian dresses). From underneath the bertha the sleeves fall in a delicate profusion of puffed silk, creamy lace and satin ribbon. The two tiered skirt flares out from the gathered waist in a style very popular with the Victorians as it enhances the fullness of the skirt and narrowness of the corseted waist, although three tiers were common. The dress is worn over a flounced petticoat, as the date depicted in the film is right at the introduction of the hooped crinoline.

The gown is traditionally elegant and in its shape and style can be seen the true inspiration of the modern wedding dress.