I have finished the Robe a la Francaise in the 1750s-70s style. I have followed the JPRyan pattern for the Pet-en-l'air/Robe a la Francaise. The pattern itself was very precise sizewise and ran rather short (upper length) which means I didn't have to make big adjustments there.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6PRszmhIgDZQ1L8ucDOf3Rw0fbiAfPuG6jCx78pMSJE8FHJYaawFf27HmfMKzJkKDKXf9G7ToCyQ7PtEA8TePE5JSmv4dycf4vcR3ucZbVHuLQa2dZFMNmInzupgoQ2e2omJsyrJD8xI/s200/jpr_petenlair.gif) |
JP Ryan Pattern |
My inspiration was this painting by Gainsborough of Maria Walpole. I am not a big big fan of lacy, chantilly-like decoration, so I opted for a plain black stomacher, and less laces at the sleeves, my sleeves flounces are plain black silk tafetta, as the rest of the robe. I am not sure about how much decoration is on the robe itself (in the painting, that is) and again I decided for the plain silk taffetta. I like the way the light is reflected on it and the back pleats should be the center of attention anyway (imho).
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguUKx0EpaE-oSaOEvdrSJWLdLeU6e8n6Q7uVfn_62CCj2Yv-vq_bdDl4shgjULu6XPwRY0-yqqgoSFH__gcHSXMOaJI1UTgpg1EXMyCUCAzlK-saciGaHEnvFEOfDJeux2XAbmTfbdcPU/s200/Gainsborough_-_Maria_Walpole.jpg) |
Gainsborough "Maria Walpole" 1763 |