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Overgown, adrienne, and quilted skirt, 1730s.

This house dress could be worn during pregnancies. Perhaps a woman’s use of an adrienne was an indication to those around her that a baby was on the way. But it was not what you would refer to as maternity wear. It could be worn by anyone.

The skirt is padded and warm, the overgown is loose fitting and could be worn without stays underneath.

An adrienne is a mid-length overgown and a quilted skirt is a skirt sewn using the matelassé technique, with padding between the exterior fabric and the lining. Both the overgown and the skirt are made from mustard yellow silk rep embroidered with white silk and lined with linen.

Material

Silk, linen

Length

Adrienne 90 cm, skirt 98 cm

Technique

Rep, matelassé, embroidery

Inventory number

KM 65491, KM 65492