BESPOKE Sackback Gown (aka Robe à la Française)

This listing is for a place in my order book for me to make you a completely bespoke gown, custom fitted to you.

If in-person visits are possible, then I will cut the lining on YOUR body for a 100% bespoke fit unique to you, and then build the gown from that, so that it fits YOU perfectly and YOU alone.

Or we can make your gown on the basis of measurements and virtual fittings.

Either way, your size and shape and everything the modern fashion industry has led you to believe about your body is *IRRELEVANT*! YOUR GOWN IS *YOU* SIZED.

Every gown is 100% handsewn using historical stitches and documented period construction methods, made to be worn over shift, stays and appropriate skirt support — we will discuss what’s needed in full detail before you confirm your order.

PRICES START AT GB£2,000 to include my time, skills, expertise and personal attention given to:

– designing and making your gown;

– fittings (whether for cutting your shapes or virtual meetings, and subsequent fittings, usually 2-3 in total); and

– 100% hand stitching using documented construction techniques of the period of your gown.

What is NOT included:

– cost/supply of fabrics. I have a range of fabrics available or you can provide your own. For summer daywear, a block printed Indian cotton (all the rage in France and its Caribbean colonies during the period) or a lovely linen would be perfect. For evening, of course it must be silk!;

– threads suitable for the fabrics chosen;

– the making of a matching petticoat if required (typically add £500);

– making any required undergarments – those are separate commissions and we can discuss your requirements in full detail before you confirm your gown order;

– the making and application of trims (costs vary according to complexity and time required – quote to be given once you’ve decided what you want);

– my travel expenses for in-person appointments;

– shipping by courier if completed gown cannot be delivered or collected in person.

I am based in the UK. Orders from overseas are very welcome if you’re happy to work with me remotely, for which you will need to add “custom pattern drafting” — add the gown to your cart, then come back and select from drop-down items and add this to your cart as well before checking out.

Here is a link to information about how the process works for your commission: https://timesmith.co.uk/forms/process

Any questions, please feel free to message me via the Contact Us form.

EXAMPLES OF MY WORK:

Photos 1 & 2: 1760s Long Sackback Gown in Silk Taffeta, made for the National Trust for Scotland in 2024. I did all of the cutting and fitting, and I trained and supervised NTS volunteers in all the stitching and construction work. Model: Jenny Howie.

Photos 3 & 4: 1770s Long Sackback Gown in Block Printed Cotton, made for Paxton House in 2023. I did all of the cutting and fitting and shared the stitching work with Cait Burk, who modeled the completed gown. PHOTO CREDIT: Dr Fiona Salvesen Murrell, Consultant Curator, The Paxton Trust.

Photos 5 & 6: 1760s Long Sackback Gown in Block Printed Cotton, made for myself in 2022.