John Redhead by George Romney, 1780 After the success of my most ambitious project to date, the round gown from Fitting and Proper , I yearned for the next challenge in 18th century costuming. I do have a francaise in mind, but the time still hasn't felt right to execute that. Until I have a formal event to wear it to, the francaise will wait. I already realized that I went from zero 18th century gowns in 2022 to three in 2023, and I don't want to extend my 1930s evening gown problem to another century (i.e.: I have more evening gowns than have ever gone to formal events). As I remarked in my post about the shirt, when I hear a thing is difficult, I often find that a call to arms. With my confidence in drafting boosted by the round gown, I began to formulate ideas and draw inspiration. As with women's wear, my interest does not lie in the elaborate and formal with its brightly colored silk and intricate embroidery. I admire that work, but my taste has never run to those th
