A Robe De C From the 18th Century

A Robe De C From the 18th Century

Throughout the 18th century, full court dress was required of all ladies when in the presence of a royal.robe de cérémonie pas cher This was called a robe de c. (pronounced “cur”), also known as a grand habit, and consisted of a stiff, boned bodice that laces up the back, a skirt and a separate train worn from the waist or at the shoulders, with detachable lace sleeves. The sleeve design and arrangement changed slightly from decade to decade, which can be used to date a portrait.

This gorgeous scarlet red and gold brocade robe de c, which is on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, was worn by Louis XV’s daughter Henriette when she married in 1727.robe de cérémonie pas cher It was one of Henriette’s twin robes and her second marriage, as she had a younger sister who was already married and who became queen consort of England.

It’s easy to see why a robe de c was so popular in the 18th century! It was the standard wedding dress for European royal brides, from Augusta of Saxe-Gotha to Marie Antoinette.robe de cérémonie pas cher Robes were often made in silver fabric because the metal was a symbol of wealth, and the rich embroidered designs were perfect for wedding dresses.

There isn’t a label on this gown at the Maryland Historical Society, but we can tell that it was designed by Jeanne Lanvin.robe de cérémonie pas cher This 1920s robe de c is in her signature style, and while it may lack a label, the clues are all there: a wide skirt that safely hid the figure; uncomplicated bold decoration; and a silhouette that was flattering for all ages and body types. Lanvin apprenticed as a milliner and as a dressmaker before opening her own shop, which eventually expanded into a full-service couture house.

In addition to designing robe de c dresses, Lanvin also offered a line of women’s lingerie, undergarments and men’s clothing in her own line. She was also a successful business woman and had the foresight to open her own dye factory that produced the now-iconic “Lanvin blue.”

This robe de c at the MdHS is not quite a robe de c, as it has side hoops rather than the central, inverted box pleats of a robe de c. Nonetheless, its style is very similar to the gowns on display at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and other collections. It also demonstrates the versatility of the robe de c, as it can be dressed up or down to suit an occasion or mood. Click through the slideshow to see more examples of robes de c from the MdHS Fashion Archives.

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