Historical Fancy Dress

Footwoman of the Future

Written by

Susan de Guardiola

in

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FD-Holt-1887-Footwoman
(This costume verges on science fiction — a preview of an egalitarian future in which women take on a traditionally male job — while simultaneously looking back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries for style elements in the same way as a footman's livery of the era!)

Black satin quilted skirt; maroon double-breasted tail-coat, brass buttons; black waistcoat showing beneath the jacket in front, and lace ruffles; hair powdered; tricorn black and gold hat; gold-headed cane in hand.

Source: Holt, Ardern.  Fancy Dresses Described, 5th Edition.  London: Debenham & Freebody, 1887.

Comments

4 responses to “Footwoman of the Future”

  1. Neil W Avatar
    Neil W

    Ah yes, the bold, new twentieth century, in which rich people can afford to employ women to do the heavy lifting and stand around looking ornamental! Actually, as I assume the cane is for keeping the rabble from gatecrashing, I suppose footmen were more necessary than I initially thought.
    I would have thought a plainer skirt myself, but I’m not really an expert on servants.

    Reply
  2. Susan de Guardiola Avatar
    Susan de Guardiola

    The quilted skirt is actually quite clever — that’s an 18th-century woman’s style. Footman’s livery tends to be the formal wear of several decades in the past, so having the woman’s style do the same thing really tickled me.

    Reply
  3. Neil W Avatar
    Neil W

    A second look makes me think I’ve misled myself over the line drawing. The quilting looks like it’s quite elaborate decoration, but would be much less visible in real life, especially with buttons, waistcoat and ruffles to attract the eye.

    Reply
  4. Susan de Guardiola Avatar
    Susan de Guardiola

    Yep. Take a look at an 18thc style quilted underskirt here.

    Reply

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