A recommendation: this may not be the best time in the universe to make an Edwardian gown. Competition comes from numerous quarters for Edwardian-compatible beauties. Wait until fashion changes to reduce the competition.
Unfortunately, there is a lot of overlap between the Edwardian costumer’s demands and that of the bridal demographic, since Edwardians liked their gowns light and frothy, and in pale colors. Light, gossamer and net-like fabrics are also popular with designers recently. So it’s impossible to find a bargain. Here are some fabrics I’m looking for:
- Mousseline: Silk. I’m not sure if it is really findable – unless I can find it abroad – except in Hermes scarves that cost +$700. And one would need a lot of those scarves to make a gown.
- Point d’Esprit: My current fave. There is a lot of overlap with the bridal and lingerie industry, and the stuff happens to be fashionable right now, too. Finding it in silk is tres difficile.
- Silk Net or Embroidered Net: Both fashionable with designers currently, and popular with brides.
- Silk Tulle: a lot of noise on the market for silk tulle. There is the crappy, crafty bridal tulle sold in 40 yard bolts for $10 a piece or in small circles for favor projects, then there is the designer silk tulle that starts at $50 a yard and caters to upscale brides. Pas facile.
- Lace
Chiffon and Crepe is findable in numerous colors. One may be forced to head in that direction, giving up on the airier, lighter, stuff. One could move into a much heavier direction with the gown, towards darker colors or velvet. The problem in that is it defeats the purpose of making a light, airy Edwardian. Velvets, particularly those in dark colors, were not popular from 1900-1910. In fact, they were reserved for the older ladies. Dark colors, likewise, were used only for common wear, not fine gowns. The Edwardian period liked everything light, including their houses, their interior woodwork, and interior design. It was a departure from the dark, cluttered Victorian era.
