(Fancy dress books included costumes for every season and month of the year, but Holt cheated by using the same costume for Summer and for July. Lisse appears to be a filmy gauze, possibly crinkled.)
A white or pink gauze, lisse, or tulle evening dress, liberally trimmed with summer flowers, especially roses; it is sufficient to wear a wreath of the same, but a veil with butterflies is a more decided fancy dress, or a straw hat, with flowers and butterflies. Scattered rose leaves on the skirt add to the effect, interspersed with butterflies and green beetles; a basket of flowers in hand; necklet and earrings of China roses. Or, a dress of blue and crimson brocade, with fringes of flowers. July is dressed in the same fashion.
Source: Holt, Ardern. Fancy Dresses Described, 5th Edition. London: Debenham & Freebody, 1887.
Is it of any interest to note that Debenhams still exists as a department store? The cafe of the one in Canterbury used to be called "Freebody's" but it's been moved twice since then and seems to be called Cafe Venue now.
Posted by: Neil W | July 22, 2010 at 05:18 PM
Neil,
I'm mildly interested.
Posted by: Susan de Guardiola | July 23, 2010 at 12:56 AM