For this project I transformed a 1786 painting into a costume, the painting depicts a women dressed in the late 18th century fashion of a stay, chemise/ shift, over-skirt and a bumroll.
I mainly focused on recreating the 18th century stay which was later referred to as a corset. I took some creative liberty when i came to the print pattern on the cotton stay but the silhouette and appearance remains the same as the reference painting.
The stays contains a red flower print with detachable straps and extensive angled boning that are encased in cream and burgundy cotton tab binding. To provide ease for the performer, the stays features hem tabs and front fastenings. This was popular in the 18th century because it meant the wearer didn't require a second person to help tie the stays shut.
Other costume features include side tie fastenings on the skirt, front tie fastening on the bumroll and a easy fitting chemise that doesn't require any fastenings.