Based on the romance novels by Julia Quinn, Shondaland’s ‘Bridgerton’ is one of the most successful Netflix series of all time. Its unique blend of racial harmony, passionate romance and palace intrigue, not to mention the regal clothes and characters all designed in a contemporary way, has kept viewers in raptures for three seasons.
The series is set in the period 1810-1820. The British King George III was deemed mentally unfit to rule and his son, the Prince Regent, took over the reins. This period is also called the Regency period.
Despite the fact that France and England were at war, Empress Josephine Bonaparte (played by Louis Hippolite Leroy) had a huge impact on the English upper classes. The stiff dresses and towering wigs of the previous Rococo period were replaced by high-waisted ’empire’ dresses and natural hairstyles. This was because it was considered of the utmost importance to be a graceful dancer at the many society balls given during ‘the season’. The fluidity and ease of movement that these dresses provided was a welcome change.
During the recent Haute Couture FW24 Week, designers, either design-wise or subconsciously, took influence from the TV series Bridgerton and the Regency period in general.
In the TV series, Queen Charlotte dresses in the style of Marie Antoinette. It is said to reflect the earlier, happier years of her marriage. Julien Fournié pays tribute to the French queen in his collection, as the “first initiator of haute couture”.
In his show, Franck Sorbier has some of his models arrive on Bridgerton’s favorite means of transport: the horse.
Dressed to Impress
Haute Couture designers showed a wide range of dresses that would not look out of place on today’s version of Lady Danbury’s ball: the red carpet.
Imane Ayissi
Look 19: A sleeveless dress in white duchess satin with an empire waist. The skirt is hemmed with a floral and bee print. Wrapped around: an oversized lilac sash wrapped around it. Opera length pink gloves complete the look.
Dior: designer, Maria Grazia Chiuri
Look 53: A dress with gold sequins, a draped neckline and cap sleeves.
Elie Saab
Look 43: A tulle dress with a round neck, tiered sleeves, scalloped shoulders and intricate beading.
Franck Sorbier
Look 8: A strapless pastel chiffon dress with an empire waist and rose embellishment, with gold Mary Jane shoes.
What are they wearing underneath?
Under their clothes, Georgian women wear a combination of corsets, bodystockings, trousers and thigh-high stockings held up with garters.
Chanel
Look 38: A pink satin jumpsuit with a sheer neck and sleeves and trousers with pleated edges and sequin embellishments.
Look 37: A pink corset with a pleated chemise insert and cream leggings under a cream satin cape with a pleated edge.
Schiaparelli: Designer, Daniel Roseberry
Look 23: A strapless body with a boned corset and thigh-high stockings under a sheer layer of sequins.
Capes are timeless
Capes were a popular way to cover up in Regency England, but also during Haute Couture FW24.
Giambattista Valli
Look 17: An elegant cape with a floral print and a matching dress with pleats under the bust and rose embellishments.
Look 29: A green chiffon cape with a hood that covers the face. To complete the look: a high-waisted dress with an embellished chest panel.
Yulia Yanina
Look 20: A chiffon hooded cape and matching dress in a vibrant floral print.
Layered effects
Several international designers take part in the Oriental Fashion Show at the Shangri-La Hotel, showcasing the richly decorated gowns that Regency ladies wore on cooler evenings.
Amina Benzekri
Look 5: A sleek, gold evening coat with turquoise embroidery and a belt over a turquoise silk layer.
Fashion house
Look 1: An evening gown with intricate beadwork and embroidery in pastel colours, a high-waisted belt and a green lining over a lilac silk dress.
Regalia
Look 1: An evening coat with lots of embroidery in pastel colours over a glittering multi-button layer and a high-waisted belt.
This article was previously published on FashionUnited UK. Translation and editing by Susan Zijp.
Source: fashionunited.nl
