Aprons do not come to mind first when we think of royalty and fashion attire. In a fantasy world, however, anything is possible. I chose to make an apron specifically for her royal highness, Queen Marie Antoinette.

One of the most famous (or is that infamous) queens in French history, Marie Antoinette wore lavish gowns made from the best of fabrics and trims. Any apron made for her should be equally elegant. Further, historical data suggest pink roses were her favorite flower. Thus, the bodice is an antique embroidered French silk taffeta with baskets of pink flowers.

I felt the skirt should be much more "practical" and chose a crepe-style champagne-colored sheer wool to blend with the background color of the taffeta. The very full skirt reflects fashion during her reign, especially skirts with exaggerated panniers at the hips. I trimmed the skirt with silk ribbon ruffles, ribbons with beads and flowers, and strips of the silk taffeta from the bodice. I added crystal beads for sparkle; handmade lace and dainty silk-ribbon-embroidery roses complete the embellishment.

Fantasy is often a fleeting thought with no real substance or form. While garments in her time would have been hand-stitched and even more elaborate, my "aha" moment came when I realized that this apron is my fantasy, and I gave myself permission to use my own methods to turn my fantasy into reality.

Return to Top