Bridgerton

Bridgerton

This top was inspired from the Netflix series "Bridgerton". In specific, this style takes inspiration from the early 19th-century Regency period, known for its refined elegance and romanticism. Dresses had high waists that were positioned just below the bust, and the rest of the dress flowed loosely down to the floor. This style was inspired by classical Greek and Roman fashion. The dresses were often made from lightweight fabrics such as muslin and silk. These fabrics allowed for a more flowing and delicate appearance, in contrast to the heavier fabrics used in earlier periods.

This top mirrors the style of dresses from the Regency era through the use of the short length, material, and tight fit.

Description:

Hand-made top insipred by Regency era dresses

Project Type:

Hand-made clothing

My Role:
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Starting from ideation sketch to draping, then creating mockups and then the final top.
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Tools:
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Industrial sewing machine, Overlock machine, Hand sewing, Draping techniques, Hammer.

Ideation:

Compared to the elaborate decorations of the Georgian era, Regency dresses were more understated. Embellishments were minimal, and simplicity was favored. In accordance, the top was designed very simple to emphasize the shape.

Corsets were still used, but they were less restrictive than the ones from the previous Georgian era. The emphasis was on achieving a natural, lightly defined waistline. In order to mimic this effect, the top was designed to be tight fitting.

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Mock up 1

Focused on creating the general shape of the bodice. Decided to put 1 dart for each center front piece instead of 2 in order to keep the round neckline more clear.

Created all the pattern pieces needed to create the bodice.

Revisions needed

Increase the length of the bodice. Add 5-6 inches to each pattern piece.

Increase the length of the dart according to the length of the pattern pieces, but keep the dart location the same place.

Mock up 2

Created a second mock up to make sure that the pattern pieces fit well with the size adjustment.

Increased the length of the pattern pieces by 6 inches. Created enough length to accommodate for the 1/2in seam allowance. The darts were also lengthened according to the pattern piece.

Decided to use a light weight muslin to mimic the real fabric used for the final design. This way the top will drape similar as well.

Back Corset

Regency corsets were generally shorter compared to their predecessors. They provided support to the bust and lower ribcage while allowing the high-waisted dresses to flow freely below the bust. In comparison, the top image displays a Georgian era corset and the bottom images show a Regency era corset.

Corsets during this era were often made from lightweight materials like cotton or linen. The emphasis was on comfort and achieving a more delicate and elegant look. The lighter construction complemented the lightweight fabrics used in dresses.

This top mixing both elements of a corset and a regency era dress bodice.

Eyelet

Lacing

The back of the corset was where the primary lacing occurred. The corset would have eyelets or small reinforced holes along either side of the center back. These eyelets formed channels for the lacing.

The lacing material used during the Regency Era was often ribbon, adding a touch of femininity to the garment. Alternatively, thin cords could also be used for lacing. The choice of material depended on personal preference and the design of the corset.

In order to mirror the appearance of Regency Era corset, the back was laced with a ribbon long enough to tie a bow at the end. The ribbon was made out of silk, and cut diagonally to prevent flaring at the ends.

Final Product

Front View

Back View

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