Sack-Back Gown with Skirt (robe à la française)

In the 18th century full skirts fanned out at the sides from the waistline. This emphasized the nipped in upper body. The sack-back is created by box pleats at the back, plis Watteau, a style known as robe à la française. This gown is decorated with pouffes, little ‘cushions’ made of padded and gathered strips of the same fabric. This kind of striped fabric with floral motifs was called mexicaine.