ABSTRACT
Toward the end of the eighteenth century, the silhouette of women’s fashion took a decidedly retro turn. Because of the discovery of the preserved Roman ruins at Pompeii earlier in the century, everything classical became the rage. Although the intention was to hearken back to a willowy, Greco-Roman feel, construction techniques could sometimes maintain a high level of complexity. Initially, the high-waisted Chemise Gown was cut in a modified T-shape, its fullness controlled with drawstrings. As the style became more common, bodices were cut separately from skirts and fullness was carefully arranged and sewn into place.
