I sewed TWO Aesthetic Gowns! (AKA Artistic Gowns AKA Reform Dresses AKA early 1900s weird stuff)

[@laurap.3976]

Um, I feel like we need to bring these babies back into fashion. I’m dying to wear one. Elegant comfort at its finest!

[@denisebennett3144]

Both gowns are gorgeous. For dresses that were radical in their day they certainly have echoes of the past in their design.

[@DamesalaMode]

I do love the throwback nature of them. It's really cool to see "modern" fashions that have elements from the past!

[@lisascenic]

Really lovely. I do prefer the linen, for its drape and flow. A few years back my partner and I made Emilie Flogë and Gustav Klimt garments for an Alphonse Mucha party. He dyed and sewed Klimt’s blue smock, and I copied one of Flogë’s black and white striped gowns. Most people had absolutely no idea what we were all about, but the one person who got it, really got it.

[@Noblebird02]

May I ask whether it would have been appropriate for a woman to wear aesthetic dress to a cafe in Germany? In say 1914

[@tashacano3324]

That velvet ribbon trim really elevated the linen dress. Loved it!

[@stillhuntre55]

So thrilled I found this video! The Aesthetic Movement is my favourite slice of Victorian/Edwardian and so few people delve into it! It really baffles me as there are so many folks doing history bounding and turn of the century clothing - and this period really is the embodiment of graceful shlump! The most beautiful comfies in all the land! More! More!

[@DamesalaMode]

Graceful Shlump 😂. Yes! That's exactly it!

[@infamoussphere7228]

I really like these! So much of what makes a garment work is in the fabric - the linen one had that great drape which works so well with boxy unstructured flowy garments. The silk one looks very dramatic but I agree, it's a bit on the stiff side. I actually think the linen was very flattering - more flattering than 1920s fashion in my opinion (I think the issue there is that rather than having a graceful fall of fabric right down from the bodice it's awkwardly cinched in/belted at hip level, which I'm not terribly into.) But this is so fun, such a great exploration of a less frequently explored era of fashion. I'm a bit worried about corsets because I don't like wearing super tight or constricting clothing (I'm small up top and don't even wear real bras because I find them too crunch-ing) so I feel like this era would be great if I wanted to do historical reenactment!

[@Niobesnuppa]

These look so comfy! I really love the look of the silk one, the pattern really pops.

[@moxielouise]

Absolutely love this unique period of dress and so happy to see one tackled

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you! I had fun with this experiment that turned out surprisingly well!

[@Noblebird02]

I love this period to, my big question as a novelist is whether women could get away with wearing these sorts of clothes in public?

[@jenniferandrew3373]

Looks wise, that silk is just fantastic. For wearing, the linen one has my vote. In fact, I think I need a linen asthetic dress in my regular wardrobe!

[@FantasticalFolliesCostuming]

Here's to the glamorous sack! I love these, they both look so comfortable! With the neckline and the sleeves and the contrasting front panel, the black and gold one kind of gives me 18th century vibes 🤣 I probably would make one of these, but not sure which 🤔 great stash busting project for awkward yardage. You could even take two contrasting colors/patterns and put 'em together, some of those examples you showed were super fun and bold...oh dear god, I'm getting ideas.

[@jessicahie8716]

Ok. Can I say you look like a bohemian queen in both those dresses… absolutely stunning ! First time I watched your video.. will be binge watching your videos . Great job ! 👍🏼🙏🏻🍃🌺🍃

[@katwitanruna]

Absolutely perfect! The only thing they lack are pockets. 😉

[@DamesalaMode]

Totally! I was really regretting that I didn't put them in...and it would have been so easy with those side seams! Next one will have pockets for sure!

[@katwitanruna]

@@DamesalaMode I don’t get out anymore and started making 12C with pockets. Muahahahahahaha. Best thing I ever did.

[@christineherrmann205]

Those are both wicked cool, but I was dying for you to line the itchy catchy silk sleeves with a bright yellow or gold cotton. SUCH a great use of patterning with the directional fabric.

[@DamesalaMode]

I did consider, but I really didn't have anything in my stash that would have worked for it

[@amal-chan]

Yeh lining was needed

[@TheMiss1928]

@@DamesalaMode I like the sleeves unlined.

[@isabellalucia7820]

I love the contrast of that particular 'wrong side'. Would the happy medium have been to have a set of tighter fitting (dark?) undersleeves from a soft fabric? Or would the stiff/soft contrast not work?

[@chrystivelting6150]

The linen one is my favorite. It looks like the perfect reading under a tree on a blanket dress. I love the gold one too but no contest, I want the linen one in my wardrobe!

[@terrirobinson3876]

Love then both! The first one is so casual and fun the serving one is more formal. I love how fabric can completely change the look.

[@raynelouisiana5631]

They are both so beautiful! The only thing they need to be perfect is nice big seam pockets.

[@jillymck51]

I love the blue stripe linen. I love the soft flowyness of it. The gold strip satin looks more formal which is just not me. Well done. Beautiful aesthetic dresses !!!!

[@MonaSkovJensen]

They are both beautiful dresses but I prefer the one made out of the linen fabric - and that is all because of the sleeves and the trim! That's the one I'd want to make! The reveal was absolutly fantastic! What a great place to stay for a couple of days!!!

[@DamesalaMode]

It was so beautiful there! It really was the perfect place to wear them and enjoy that beautiful landscape!

[@Jazzgirlaust]

Its impossible to choose which I like best because they are both beautiful... I would wear both happily! You need to sit in a comfy chair with those wonderful roses & irises as a backdrop & read poetry.

[@wendeblair5396]

Those dresses are lovely! I need an aesthetic dress now. 😁 I would like a hair tutorial too!

[@ushere5791]

klimt would have loved the silk--he loved gold in textiles, so he'd definitely have loved to paint a portrait of you in it! i personally love the linen because i'd wear it all day every day. :)

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you!

[@lindabullock742]

Wow Taylor…both dresses are gorgeous and you look stunning in both…loved the reveal in the garden with the peonies…🥰🇦🇺

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you!

[@pippaseaspirit4415]

They came out so well! If I had to choose between them for myself I would pick the linen one; I love the soft simplicity of it and the flow.

[@Sew_Learning]

Both of these dresses are lovely. For winging it, you did great! Love your hair in the reveal. Am off to read the blog post you linked in the description. Am learning so much and loving it. Thank you for sharing this with us. Sending best wishes from Down Under 💖💕❤️🌺🌸💐🇦🇺😎

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you so much!

[@bibianne]

The linen would get my vote 🙂

[@ceciliavaldes3159]

Amazing dresses! My favorite is the linen one because it just floats! I love the width of the silk skirt (the one you weren’t thrilled about) because it adds a sort of triangular shape to what I perceive as a very geometric dress. Awesome job as always. I love your storytelling style… very relaxing!

[@michellecornum5856]

I think you really nailed the Spirit of the movement. I have a vague plan for one in my sketch book, but now that I've seen the mauve -y purple one with the tabard, I think I need a couple like that. I love both dresses you made. They each convey a different day and a different mood. Lovely job. Bravo

[@annak1371]

Both of them are amazing. I like the front of the 1st one, but the back of the 2nd one.

[@siwsanpackard1140]

Both are lovely, but I love the colour, style and ribbon trim of the linen version. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@DamesalaMode]

You're so welcome 💖

[@jenniferstocker5462]

I’ve always kind of wanted to make Klimt’S blue smock! Loving these aesthetic dresses….my favorite is the silk, think you were spot on with the graphic print!

[@DamesalaMode]

I got so lucky when I found that fabric! It was perfect!

[@hannnahm]

The black and gold one is aesthetically (lol) beautiful, and the linen one looks both amazing and AMAZINGLY comfortable.

[@petapendlebury9024]

I have 6.6m of a hand blocked floral cotton fabric that someone suggested would make a great aesthetic dress and 3 of your images have definitely inspired me - saved to my Pinterest board! Mine will definitely be waisted and possibly the tabard look to bring in a plain fabric? I really can't choose between the 2 of yours.....you've created an aesthetic wardrobe with a day and an evening look! Perfect 💙

[@Dianestitchcraftrelax]

I like the linen one best - more comfortable looking

[@LatelyFashionable]

Love it when a wearable mockup works out so well that it changes the entire plan of the garment it was supposed to be mocking up! 😆 I really love the sleeves of the silk gown, but I think my overall favorite is the linen one.

[@alaskacosplay]

I dont know if anyone has commented this but Im saying it anyways. When you were fitting the striped dress when it was still open and you were wearing the navy blue striped shirt, it looked so glamorous like it was a cape and I just love loose and relaxed fashions (which is probably why I have a few dressing gowns in my wardrobe) from a time that is known for its restrictions. If I didnt read the title in full, I would’ve thought it was a Renaissance smock style dress and I was just shook when I found out it was from the Edwardian era. Im probably gonna try and make one for myself but as a way to incorporate it into a tea gown since I have the nightgown like dress worn underneath and Im indecisive on the design for my over dress but this is definitely an inspiration for me and Im probably gonna use a brocade or upholstery for it for a lot of weight and since its gonna be loose, it’s probably gonna lend itself well in that aspect.

[@DamesalaMode]

These definitely have such a renaissance feel! That's probably one of the reasons I love them so much! I definitely also want to try making one that is more of an overdress/robe/jacket style...I had to edit out a lot of footage swanning around in it before I sewed the front closed lol

[@eternalsunny]

I love them both but I’m super casual and probably would wear the white one with the stripes. I would love to wear it actually.

[@sarahmwalsh]

I love them both - if I had to choose just one, the black and gold silk is just so dramatic and very Klimt-esque. But for comfort and leisure, definitely the linen!

[@DamesalaMode]

I feel very Klimpt-y in that one for sure!

[@amal-chan]

The roses were pretty but all I can see was her and the dress, that’s a prove of how pretty she is in that dress. I love it! I can picture myself wearing the linen dress all day and night but maybe without the velvet, even though the velvet pulled it all together with the elegant feel of the dress.

[@TheMiss1928]

I love watching your videos because of your enthusiasm. And because of that, although I've never really felt a pull towards these shapeless, Edwardian gowns, you (and admittedly Altheish, as well) are making me want one in my wardrobe too. Your two gowns turned out beautifully. Thank you for sharing them with us.

[@JoelleFromParis]

I love both dresses and I learned a lot about this type of dresses that in fact I didn't even know had existed. My grandmother would often wear caftans that looked a lot like the silk dress which I like best (probably for that reason).

[@jomercer21113]

Aesthetic Life (TM). Those are my kind of dresses!

[@cynthiadugan858]

I love the linen one! Well, the silk is absolutely gorgeous but the drape and flow of the linen is perfection❤. You have inspired me. I have some linen that I haven’t been able to decide what to use it for …. I’m thinking a similar pattern in a tunic length would be super comfy, really cute, and unique. If it turns out ugly, that’s ok. I always need lounge around the house comfy clothes.

[@LauraIngallsGunn]

What a fun and interesting process! Each dress has details I just love. The linen dress looks incredibly comfortable. Your hair at the reveal was just gorgeous. I image the talented Ms. La Fleur had a hand in that. Thank you for taking us along on this aesthetically pleasing journey.

[@sonipitts]

I definitely want to make something like the linen one, but with the sleeve style of the second because those are just too cool.

[@annawolfsong]

These remind me very much for Spanish Surcot style overdresses. I always had 1 or 2 of those when I was doing re-enacting for mornings before I got into full kit.

[@paulcarlachapman628]

Lovely dresses! The black and gold silk is stunning fabric but it looks like the grey linen is much more wearable, and somehow, more delicate. Enjoy both of them!

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you!

[@rebeccatirrell8321]

You tube IS weird, but your videos are a balm to my weary soul.

[@DamesalaMode]

Aw thank you! ♥️

[@subliminalphish]

Both are nice. I think if I were to wear one , it would be the linen. It just looks so comfy. The silk is beautiful but just to stiff looking. More for structured and that dress screams flowy. I remember that style of lounge wear back in the 1970's. My mom loved them. I was a young hippy girl who wore jeans , tees and flannels and liked the victorian under garment looking clothing (i.e. dress blouse skirt type) now I'd wear one of those loungie thingys

[@lesleyharris525]

Hi,I'm loving the blue strip linen dress, but I'm a lover of kaftans.💖

[@rebeccacotto2753]

Both are great, but the linen is awesome.

[@DamesalaMode]

That's the one I've worn more!

[@robyn3349]

Very lovely dresses, they make me want grapes... and a row boat...

[@DamesalaMode]

I soooo wanted a boat to play around in that little pond!

[@lornas-w4661]

if budget allowed, think the grey one in silk velvet with some ribbon embroidery on it... but both of these are fab.

[@TealCheetah]

Im hoping for a future sleeve lining and hem facing on the silk dress.

[@DamesalaMode]

Probably not likely 😅. I basically never go back and "fix" finished projects. To much other stuff to do lol

[@cypriennezed5640]

YES these are fabulous and I love them both

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you!

[@jennylafleur]

I can't choose between them - I love them both equally! Thanks for showing us the process... now I NEED one too!

[@DamesalaMode]

You definitely do!

[@TealCheetah]

What fun projects and lovely dresses!

[@Stoicwindseternal]

These are soooo beautiful wish there was a readied made pattern!

[@BirdBathBonanza]

Stunning ! 😻

[@melissashiels7838]

I think the linen one looked so comfy and surprisingly elegant. My top priority is keeping cool, and that gown would do it!

[@DamesalaMode]

It really is fabulously cool! Especially with the billowy sleeves...I was amazed!

[@brbz369]

I like both, but I think the linen one captures the Aesthetic drapey, flowy look better. I love the ribbon trim on the linen dress as well. The silk is nice too but maybe a bit formal (aka stiff) but you could dress it up fora fancy evening wear outfit. Congrats!

[@piffpaff9674]

Love it ! Wished I had an exact copy of it 🤩

[@axusis]

Aesthetic 'n friends gowns are starting to become my favourites out of Victorian/Edwardian looks, they have an air of playfullness and experimentation that I really vibe with. "Glamorous sacks" is also gonna be the theme for my summer wardrobe, I wanna be both comfy and glam while I'm enjoying the riverside and drinking sangria.

[@susieahn6594]

They both turned out beautiful Taylor! I do find the linen one lovely b/c you look so comfortable in it. Now I want one, too. I most enjoyed your talk about how a garment moves depending on the fabric type and the cut. Learned so much. Thank you!

[@DamesalaMode]

I'm so glad it was helpful!

[@ginadelfina5887]

I like the linen one best. Though, if it was me, I would add a belt to it made out of the velvet. I think they both turned out really cool though!

[@DamesalaMode]

I really played around with adding a belt and it did look really cool, but it definitely took something away from the flowy-ness of the whole thing. Guess I need to make another one :)

[@katwitanruna]

Linen is always my favorite!

[@DamesalaMode]

It's so comfy!

[@katwitanruna]

@@DamesalaMode Yaaaaassssssss! I tested it at TnRF decades ago and found it works so much better in both heat and cold. Plus I can just throw it in the wash.

[@blktauna]

I would make interesting undersleeves for the silk one. they will save you the sweaties and add all kinds of options. It seems to hang fine from my view but I think it looks wonderful on you. Both do. They look very medieval to me (as a scadian they look very Italian ren )

[@DamesalaMode]

Yeah, a nice pair of close-fitting undersleeves would be a great addition and would make it nice for winter wear! A lot of the original aesthetic dresses look 100% medieval so I'm glad that came across in these 😊

[@gypsydog9118]

Beautiful!

[@katwitanruna]

I always find it easier to sew hems by hand.

[@DamesalaMode]

Same for me...it's very mediative too!

[@tracys3096]

They both look great for different seasons. Thank you for uploading this. I love it

[@DamesalaMode]

I'm glad you liked it!

[@emilysmith2784]

Wow I love those sleeves. Can you show how you made the pattern or do you have a video showing how you did it?

[@NoviceStitcher]

thank you for putting in words what I was thinking about the silk gown. the potential is there. If you do make the alterations I would love to see it. That is not to say it is an ugly dress or a failure. I just think it would look better with the alterations.

[@rebeccamercado5658]

This was so fun! I've always wondered about these gowns. Love how they turned out. Now I need two myself!

[@duprairillon]

I love this video, these dresses, and that you’re highlighting this fascinating, funky, terribly cool movement in fashion! You’re inspiring me to finally make the artistic reform gown I’ve been thinking about for far too long!

[@helenawestby]

Both are beautiful! Thanks for making me really wanting to start sew again!

[@minkaf4243]

LOVE this!

[@alexandraemrick2799]

I was intrigued by how you took a concept and ran with it and created it from scratch. It was fascinating to watch your creative process. Thanks for sharing that. Both of the dresses are great in their own way. The linen is more casual and has a cozy feel to it, while the silk is very dramatic and has an "at home but entertaining" feel about it (I'm not describing this very well). I can't make up my mind about which one I like better. Huhmm....I might have to do something similar because I suspect I'd love lounging around in something like that!

[@DamesalaMode]

They are both wonderful for lounging!

[@trudicole3520]

I make clothes like that all the time I am about 30 years older than you so I don't usually worry about things being flattering but they are very comfortable

[@DamesalaMode]

It's funny because in my everyday life I'm 100 committed to the comfort over flattering lifestyle, but it's taking me a while in my costuming world 😂. These dresses are definitely helping though - I love both of them!

[@trudicole3520]

@@DamesalaMode they look terrific the linen one is definitely my favourite you could possibly wear it in winter with thermals underneath that was a great experiment

[@paloma_hill]

oh so beautiful!

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you! 😊

[@almadeckard8360]

silk

[@TealCheetah]

P.S. I love your hair

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you!

[@furlizard]

Lovely!

[@DamesalaMode]

Thank you!

[@teddy-3765]

Coming to yhis rather late, obviously, butwould it help make the silk one softer and flowyer, if you washed it to take some of the finish out of the silk and soften it up? For shape/style I prefer the linen one, but the colour is too close to grey for me to really like it (I have an unreasonable bias agaionst grey). This one also wins in terms of how it flows around the body when you move. It's really flattering. The fabric of the silk one is fabulous, but I'm not as keen on the style. I'd have been tempted to add a belt at rib-level just from the sides of the front panel going around the back, and made from one of the gold stripes of the fabric.... possibly just gong as far as the side seams then going inside through a gap in the seam to leave the back pleats hanging free).

[@cometkatt]

loving both dresses -- my only question is do they HAVE to drag on the ground? i personally dislike that effect -- i truly wish you had a pattern for both. am not able to draft the way you do, cause i would wear both styles

[@marqueewilson]

So lovely!! The linen looks so comfy and the other is so posh ❤❤ Also, what was the music when you were cutting the linen fabric? It was so nice. Can't wait for your other upcoming projects!

[@rslocum17]

Having done no research on this style… are these at home gowns or were they worn out in public?

[@CherriesJubilee]

I found this at just the moment when I decided to make what I call my “ Emily Flogge” gown. I think you could have flat lined the front yoke on the silk to stabilize the silk?

[@Noblebird02]

Emily Floge and Sonja knips are fascinating women. I wonder if they wore these clothes in public or if this would be considered so casual that it would have been inappropriate to wear in public places like cafes

[@amb163]

YAY! I've been missing your videos! Just started (about 2 mins in so far) but I have a question: Would you consider Art Nouveau part of Aestheticism, or more of an off-shoot of it?

[@DamesalaMode]

I'm no expert, but I would put Art Nouveau as a more specific movement within the larger Aesthetic movement

[@amb163]

@@DamesalaMode *nods* Yeah, that's a good way of looking at it. They obviously influenced each other, at very least. By the way -- both your dresses turned out AMAZINGLY! They look so comfortable, too! Definitely a good "relaxed" look if you're going to a multiple-day Victorian or Edwardian event and don't want to wear a corset every day!

[@charlenetorres1202]

I vote for the silk. Extremely dramatic. Yet, the silk speaks High Tea elegance not casual comfort. The linen scream’s practicality and security of one’s own personality. Hmmmm? Difficult choice.

[@DamesalaMode]

Right?! So had to pick because they have such different personalities ❤️

[@charlenetorres1202]

@@DamesalaMode Really, no need to choose. Both gowns are equally beautiful in their own right. As with everything you create!