Historical Ball Gown
A-Level Art & Design Project
RMS Sixth Form — 2023 — A* Grade
A historical recreation exploring period costume construction, hand-crafted corsetry, and vibrant textile embellishment techniques. This project demonstrates early mastery of garment engineering and textile innovation.
Exhibited at RMS Showcase 2023
Hand-laced corset with ribbon detailing
Project Overview
This historical ball gown was created as part of my A-Level Art & Design coursework at RMS, exploring period costume construction techniques and textile embellishment methods.
The project involved extensive research into 18th and 19th century fashion, pattern drafting for historical silhouettes, and mastering traditional construction techniques including boned corsetry and hand-finishing.
Every element was carefully considered - from the structured bodice with its vibrant ribbon detailing to the voluminous patterned skirt that maintains the authentic silhouette of the period.
Techniques & Skills
Construction Methods
- • Historical pattern drafting and adaptation
- • Boned corset construction with hand-lacing
- • Period-accurate seam finishing
- • Structured garment engineering
- • Hand-stitched embellishment
Materials
- • Burgundy patterned brocade fabric
- • Multi-colored satin ribbons
- • Teal/turquoise sleeve fabric
- • Corset boning and structural elements
- • Period-appropriate closures
Design Elements
- • Vibrant color-blocked ribbon corset
- • Contrasting turquoise sleeves
- • Full, gathered skirt with train
- • Off-shoulder neckline
- • Pink satin bow accents
Hand-applied ribbon work and fabric pattern detail
Research & Inspiration
This project was informed by extensive research into historical dress construction, examining museum collections, period paintings, and surviving garments from the 18th and 19th centuries.
The construction process involved studying traditional corsetry techniques, understanding how historical garments were structured to create specific silhouettes, and learning the hand-finishing methods that were standard practice during the period.
The bold color choices and ribbon detailing represent a contemporary interpretation of historical forms, bringing vibrancy to period-accurate construction techniques.
Construction Process
Pattern Development
Researched and drafted historical patterns, adapting period silhouettes to modern measurements while maintaining authentic proportions.
Corset Construction
Hand-constructed the boned bodice using period-appropriate techniques, including hand-lacing and ribbon embellishment application.
Assembly & Finishing
Assembled the full garment, creating the voluminous skirt, attaching sleeves, and completing all hand-finishing details.
Project Outcome
This A-Level project earned an **A* grade** and was exhibited as part of the RMS Sixth Form Art & Design showcase in 2023.
The experience of creating this piece deepened my understanding of garment construction, historical techniques, and the intersection between research-based practice and creative interpretation - skills that continue to inform my textile design work today.