Inspired by portraits of Emma Hart, Lady Hamilton (1765 - 1815), a renowned English model, actress, muse, demi-monde, and…spy?

This round gown, underpinnings (chemise and stays), and accessories (sash and headwrap) are all entirely handsewn. I made up the pattern for the chemise using historical references on my own, used Past Patterns 0038 (“Partially Boned Transition Stays 1793-1820) to make the stays, and otherwise based the gown on the patterning and sewing instructions for the 1790s round gown in the American Duchess Guide to 18th Century Dressmaking. For fabrics, I used some medium weight linen and linen voile from Burnley & Trowbridge for the chemise, headwrap, and gown itself, plain leftover coutil from a Red Threaded corset pattern for the stays (oof, that was tough to handsew, rookie mistake), and gorgoeus B&T lutestring silk for the sash. All photos taken on a sunny July day in Todi, Italy.