Galerie des Modes, 8e Cahier, 2e Figure
Young Lady in a Circassienne trimmed with blonde lace, decorated with a streaked ribbon, wearing a romantic Hat and a loose, braided chignon. (1778)
Of all the beauties which decorate the seraglio of the Grand Seigneur, there are none that rival those who come from Circassia. One would be tempted to believe that in that happy country, nature takes pleasure in not forming women except in the most agreeable and perfect models; their dress answers to their charms, and if the Graces were not nude, they would not have adopted any other dress. But its use is not given to all women: only those of a light and almost airy size should aspire to its advantages.

The Circassienne, in coming to Paris, is made a little Frenchified: the Muslim petticoat or wide-trousers** were never adopted; the privilege of furs was moderated, the underbodice became manchettes; the draperies were only pulled up two times: but despite the changes, it has lost nothing of its graces and lightness.
The Circassienne this figure represents is seen from the back; the material is lilac satin, with a large band of blonde lace with chenille for trimming; this band is striped in the center by a streaked ribbon, solid-colored and encircling the edges of the circassienne, which is pulled up with bows and tassels; the Engraver has pulled it up very low, to better show its shape, but as a rule, it must be pulled up high, and in a manner to let a part of the petticoat show.
The back is picked out with three gold braids, the ones on the sides decorated with tassels at their highest end; the very short sleeves have a border made as a barrier, similar to the trimming; the sleeves of the underjacket, very yellow satin, trimmed with bonshommes or little manchettes with two rows of ruffles.
Satin petticoat that matches the undervest; volante a little raised, cut at two-thirds of its height by a ribbon like that on the trim.

Chignon knotted in love-locks, topped with a bow of streaked ribbon, from which come two heart-curls, all surmounted with a toque or large tuft of rolled hair.
* "jupe à la musulmane"
** "vaste-caleçon"; both of these may refer to the same article of clothing, the first being a sort of metaphorical use of "jupe"
We offer 196 colors and 19 sizes solid satin ribbon in stock for choice. Please contact us if you need!
ReplyDelete