The inspiration image that started my chemise a la reine project. Portrait of Monsieur de Lavoisier and his Wife, chemist Marie-Anne Pierrette Paulze by Jacques-Louis David (1748–1825).
I finally have photos for you. The chemise a la reine (CalR) is finished!
While these photos weren’t taken at a costuming event, we decided to go back to the garden I filmed the knotting shuttle videos for some nice photos and have some fun. We also took some video, but that will take a little more time for me to get that online.
If you remember, I used the Lavoisier portrait as my first inspiration to start. I made some changes here and there, but when I saw her hair I just had to consider that my starting point.
There are some issues that bother me, but overall it was a fun project that was very interesting to try. It’s also the first time I wore a wig, along with my own hair!
Some things that bother me a little:
– The sash and arm ribbons aren’t an exact match, but I was limited on time and had a hard time finding what I needed. I do have some silk ribbons that are a little closer match in color, but they’re wider than I wanted.
– The sash slipped during the car ride over to the gardens. It was a bit too loose and ended up spreading out on my waist (width) more than I meant it to.
– We tried rag curling my hair (the longest part of the hairstyle) for the first time, and it didn’t work out very well. There might have been too much moisture, but my hair is very long. Regardless, it wasn’t comfortable to sleep in. I may try a curling iron next time since I won’t be doing this style too many times.
– My shift fell off my left shoulder and I didn’t even know it until we got back home. I’m surprised we missed it since you can see through the CalR fabric. I was also running around for some action photos, so I guess I shouldn’t be too surprised by things moving around.
It sounds like I’m nitpicking, but they’re just some things I want to keep in mind for the next time I wear it.
I’ll put up a costume page for some of these items later, but for now I wanted to finally share photos with some of you. I know you’ve all been waiting a long time to see the CalR. Thanks for being so patient!
And I especially want to thank my sweet husband Christopher for all his help!
Here’s a photo from this morning:
Click the image below to see all the photos of the CalR!
Oh, wow, it’s stunning!!! And so are you! Beautiful hair and make-up too. The beautiful photos were well worth the wait.
It was a perfect morning for photos. Well, except the heat. But I think the heat kept the bugs away. Wish I had been closer to get the shot of the butterfly that landed on you! Always have fun getting out with you and the camera! Perfect way to start a day 🙂
@Merja: Thank you very much! I’m so relieved to have this one finished, and it was fun to keep it mostly quiet for a big “reveal.” There were just so many things and layers I needed, and it didn’t seem right to post it without everything together since it was so over the top.
@Christopher: It was hot, even though we got there at the perfect time with the sun just coming up. You’re right though, except for the butterfly, we weren’t surrounded by lots of bugs. Yay for that, at least! I wish you’d been closer to get the butterfly as well. Thanks again for all your help and patience, although I know you enjoy getting out and taking photos. Still, we were up very early. Glad you got a little nap when we got back though! 😉
These are gorgeous photos!!!! You look so perfect! Everything – the dress, the makeup, the hair, even if you are unhappy with how the long tail didn’t curl, it is still so dang perfect! And wow, you really do have long hair. I love the photo with the sun lighting up your hedgehog. Truly stunning!
@Lauren: Thanks! The more I look at the photos, the less the lack of curling bothers me (okay, I’ll admit I wanted as much of long ringlets as I could get since I almost never wear my hair down heheh!). It blended in enough that it doesn’t bother me too badly. I think I’ll try a curling iron next time on the ends, but if it goes flat or doesn’t curl enough I’m just happy I picked the right wig color. Whew!
My husband Christopher did an awesome job helping me with photos — he was especially having fun looking for good spots with light. The sun was just coming up, and we had the garden to ourselves. Such a great time!
WOW!!
You certainly are a beautiful and bewitching model. Viewing the photos, I felt like I was looking into the past, and vividly. Gorgeous dress and gorgeous landscape. The little things that bothered you only enhanced the photos IMO. They added a candid realness to the shots. And of course, your husband is an awesome photographer, obviously. Bravo! 🙂
You look really lovely! The style fits you and everything looks very nice. I wouldn’t have noticed the things you mentioned if you hadn’t mentioned them. 🙂
How very lovely you look, m’lady!
Thank you very much, everyone! Best Wishes! 😀
Gorgeous gown you have there. I’d be in trouble if I knew how to sew something like that. It’s great you have a hubby that does the photography and lets you indulge in your 18th century fancy. Mine is equally helpful and doesn’t mind playing dress up too. Oh, and I LOVE the hair!
@Elissa: Thanks so much for the reply! I’m hoping to finish a few things for my husband soon as well. He’s not a costumer, but he has a little interest in it… it’s just fun! 🙂 I checked out your blog — I love the photos! I’ve added it to my reader so I can see your new updates. Best Wishes!