VICTORIA’S DOLLS

VICTORIA'S DOLLS PROJECT: 1830'S FASHION RESEARCH AND FABRIC DESIGN

I visited Kensington Palace to view the exhibition, Victoria: A Royal Childhood. This is where I discovered Victoria’s dolls, a fundamental element of the monarch's early life. I instantly thought that the dolls would be the perfect concept for a fashion collection. I began by researching 1830s fashion, silhouette, and textiles. Then I researched further into Victoria’s childhood in Kensington and the years leading up to her reign, as well as her early illustrations and stories that are compiled into a book. The patterns and colour story within this led me to photograph flowers and then create rotation patterns from them. The doll illustrations, combined with portraits in Kensington, informed the modernised garment designs. 

COLLAGED DESIGNS USING 1830'S PORTRAITS

To continue my design process, I visited the Victoria and Albert Museum to immerse myself in 1830s fashion by seeing authentic garments in person. I began to think of ways to portray the style using modern fashion characteristics; I used 1830s portraits to collage from, creating new garment ideas.

FINAL DESIGN

To complete my final garment design, I researched trend predictions for the summer to modernise a historical concept. The main idea I focused on was exposed underwear underneath a sheer skirt. I ordered fabric samples of different stretched fabric before ordering the full length. I chose active lycra so I could have a four-way stretch for fitted underwear and a matching top. I used the sample fabric to collage my final design idea and experiment with layering pink organza over. I decided to have a less fitted top to what I originally planned to off-balance the underwear bottoms. I draped the organza over the top, creating an ornamental shape and puff sleeves.

FINAL PIECE: UNDERWEAR LAYERED UNDERNEATH A SHEER SKIRT

Final images that present my Victoria's Dolls final design.