Young lady in a solid Polonaise of Buras, trimmed with a band of the same stuff, in 1778. (1778)
Jean-Jacques Rousseau, citizen of Geneva, after having strongly declaimed against the swaddling of infants and the manner of dressing them, at last had the satisfaction to make converts: children were raised and dressed following the method he had indicated; but the simplicity he had tried to introduce to men's and women's dress did not have the same success. It was not until 1778, sometime after the death of that celebrated Philosopher, that one hazarded to make gowns along the principals of that Author, and it was with the polonaises that one made this attempt; they were known under the name of "Jean-Jacques" polonaises: that which the Figure represents is of that type.
Stuff of buras for trim, a band without pleats of matching material placed en barriere, the sleeves folded up in the peasant style, without trim, showing the little linen bonshommes; the volant of the petticoat also of matching material and without pleats.These polonaises, the same as the current polonaises or "frock-coat" polonaises, fasten under the contentement, have little wings, and are spread on the sides, uncovering the little scalloped vest on the bottom, and without trim.
It would not do, with these gowns, to adopt a too-elegant coiffure: that of the Figure is composed of a medium cap with peasant-style lappets, of Italian gauze, positioned strongly in the back; the coque is high and separate, two curls falling very low, and on the cap a large but pinched solid-colored ribbon.
A bouffante of goffered filet lace around the neck, and found to hold in the front a gold alliance.*
The shoe must be very simple, and uniform with the rest of the outfit.
* An engagement ring
