Since this is from The Ladies' Home Journal dated 1902, these gowns were a look back. It's too bad these aren't in color since "The term Dolly Varden in dress is generally understood to mean a brightly patterned, usually flowered, dress with a polonaise overskirt gathered up and draped over a separate underskirt.".
These are designed by a Mrs. Ralston and illustrated by Thomas Mitchell Peirce, the same artist who did the bride on the cover.
I love these 1902 styles, inspired by the 1870's who re-interpreted the 1780's. How funny is that--yet a few bits from the original Shepherdess style remained: like the chintz fabric, gauzy neckline fichu, sleeve ruffles, big straw hat and polonaise drapery. Have we seen this revival in recent decades? It all seems a bit like the 1980's to me!
ReplyDeleteWell, I remember the romantic era in the seventies, it sure wasn't a Dolly Varden revival, but there was a lot of lace, gauzy fabrics and ruffles. But then we had the whole Laura Ashley era. Who knows what's next?
ReplyDeleteLove these! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteSo true Jen - very 1980s. Everything comes back eventually, haha!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post - I had no idea about the Dickens connection. My mother always used the term to describe a doll, either of the toilet-roll-holder or ice-cream-cake variety! In either case, they involved voluminous skirts. You've inspired me to research further.
If you learn more let us know!
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