A political activist and style icon too.

Georgiana was born 7 June 1757 into the Spencer family and died 30 March 1806 as spouse of William Cavendish. She grew up in Althorp with her two younger siblings Henrietta and George.

Georgiana was born into noble family and by her marriage with the Duke of Devonshire got higher social status. She was very famous for her beauty, fashion style, political influence, love affair Charles Grey and friendship with Elizabeth Foster, which turned into unusual marriage agreement.

We love historical dress, so let`s talk about the fashion style. Georgiana was a fashion icon of the Rococo era and was copied by the women. She wore large hats and mass curly hair. The high headdress was decorated with three-foot ostrich feather which she imported to Britain from Paris. For better imagination, here is the reconstructed headdress in the movie “The Duchess“:

In 1783 she presented the free-flowing muslin dress that was simply tied by a ribbon around the waist.

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It is very good opportunity to continue showing the costumes from the movie about Georgiana – The Duchess staring Keira Knightley.

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The costumes were designed by Michael O’Connor, who also cooperated on films Jane Eyre and Tulip Fever.

The costumes for Georgiana character nicely capture the second half of the 18th century fashion, such as Robe à la Française, Robe à l’Anglaise, Robe à la Polonaise, women`s redingote and parts of the dress – a pannier, a fichu, a stomacher, ribbons, bows and stripes.

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As has been already mentioned, Georgiana was political activist. And how better would you express your support for Charles James Fox from Wig party? The solution is to wear a fox fur muff 🙂 (up right picture).

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The costumes made a good impression on me. And what impression do you have?