Kjrsten Kay

1818 Evening Gown

Based off of an extant garment located in the Cincinnati Art Museum archives, this dress was an excersize in replicating a museum piece as closely as possible. All the silk used in this dress was hand-dyed by myself to perfectly match the original. Sleeves are made of 9 separate pieces each, plus lining, and are trimmed in matching bias piping. The entire garment is flat lined in pink polished cotton. While the pattern and construction of the dress prioritize historical accuracy, non-visible stitches have been machine-sewn for practicality. The outfit is accessorized with matching jade and pearl bracelets, along with vintage kidskin leather gloves, completing the authentic look.

Dress- Hand dyed silk with polished cotton lining
Bracelets- Yellow jade & pearl

Regency Short Stays

Short stays such as these serve as the foundational layer for achieving the iconic regency silhouette. Entirely hand sewn, these stays are made from linen and lightly boned. There are over 100 tiny hand-sewn channels of cotton cording that give this garment its structure,

Based off similar garments from the 1820s.

1820s Day Dress

This dress was created to capture the essence of a specific silhouette rather than strict historical accuracy. It was tailored for a funeral reenactment, intended to represent the "Sunday best" attire of a lower-middle-class individual in 1821. During this time period, traditional black mourning attire had not yet emerged, so this dress was created using a printed cotton fabric reminiscent of the popular cotton and wool chintz fabrics of the era.

Dress- Printed cotton, self drafted pattern. silk fichu

Regency Costumes

Spanning from approximately 1795 to 1839, the regency period is defined by a captivating fusion of elegance, revolution, and societal transformation. It emerged as a distinctive era that witnessed the transition from the opulence of Georgian fashion to the refined simplicity of the early Victorian era. During this remarkable period, fashion underwent a remarkable evolution, reflecting the changing social, political, and cultural landscape.

The garments created here capture the essence of this remarkable period in history. Each costume draws inspiration from a combination of extant originals & contemporary fashion plates.

Indulge in the allure of empire silhouettes, intricate embellishments, and the refined elegance that defined the regency fashion. With these costumes, you can experience firsthand the fashion sensibilities and historical significance of this extraordinary era.