Thursday, September 20, 2012

A nightgown is a nightgown is a nightgown. What?!?!?!

"Rose is a Rose is a Rose is a Rose", according to the famous quote from Gertrude Stein. I'm a rose addict, so every quote that has roses in it, is fine by me and has all my support.


Except for when people start to replace the word 'Rose' for things that I happen to love and collect. Or hoard, as some others tend to call it...

Like: "A Nightgown is a Nightgown is a Nightgown is a Nightgown."

Then I suddenly start screaming Tao-quotes like "The name that can be named is not the eternal name". For don't touch my Nightgowns.

Nightgowns.
The Holy Grail of Lingerie.
The very fine art of antique hand needlework and embroidery.


Our entire human history can be written by only looking at the development of our nightwear!

Sigh. Some people just don't understand.

Back in the 1800s women used to sew their nightgowns before getting married. They put all their effort in them and made them to last a lifetime. Even wearable during the entire pregnancy! There's a distinct difference between 'peasants nightgowns' and 'fancy lady's nightgowns' and they even had night blouses to wear over bloomers! It doesn't even need explaining, the pictures (from 180s to early 1900s) show for themselves...
 
 
 
    


And have a look at this early 20th Century Gem. A nightgown with a bed jacket. A Bed Jacket. That's right. Now isn't that the ultimate Chic?



And somehow, just somehow, in less than 100 years the name changed from 'nightgown' to 'nightdress' (already a little less chic) to 'nightie' or PJs.

Today? Instead of handsewing a beautiful nightgown that is a pleasure to wear both in and out of bed, most ladies I know wear an old t-shirt or nothing at all...

I'd say it's time to bring back tradition. At least at night. Let us dream in Style. Either in beautiful timeworn elegancy or modern day nightgowns.

But never, ever say to me that a Nightgown is a Nightgown, please. It hurts.

"A Nightgown by any other name would still be as sweet".
Gotta love Shakespeare! He knew how to appreciate the good things in life.

Time to go to bed. The way I was born, I need to learn how to let go...

Sacha.





16 comments:

  1. Oh dear...should I tell you I sleep in an OLD T SHIRT??? LMAO

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  2. I love night gowns and so did my mom. I remember her cotton ones and her flannel ones with the dainty ruffles....I bet the Amish have some 'good' ones...

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    1. Oh yes! I'm sure that the Amish have perfectly good nightgowns. :)

      I'm glad I'm not alone in my love for nightgowns. It's such a pleasure to touch them and look at them.

      Is it a woman's thing?

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  3. Replies
    1. Thank you Terry! :) It's great to have such a wonderful collection of nightgowns and have the honor to share them for other to enjoy.

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  4. So pretty and romantic! Love all the photos!

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    1. Thank you Karen. :)

      I love my nightgown collection so much. It's great to share it with others.

      Sacha.

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  5. Oh, lovely nightgowns! Thank you for joining HSH!
    Sherry

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    1. And thank you for dropping by, Sherry. :)

      We love your blog!

      Sacha.

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  6. I agree, long live the "Nightgown", beautiful needlework, comfortable cotton, yours are beautiful!

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    1. Thank you!!! :)

      I consider nightgowns the most underrated fashion item of the modern day era!

      Crispy cotton and antique linens. Sigh.

      Sacha.

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  7. Cute post! Just found you through Shabby Art Boutique and am your newest follower :)
    Susan

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    1. Thank you Susan, glad you came to join us! :)

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  8. How beautiful! I love it displayed on the dress form in your pretty white room!
    ♥Linsey

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  9. Those are quite interesting info about the night gown. :-) Thanks for sharing! Like any other garments, the nightgown has evolved from conservative, intricate designs to more modern and sophisticated looks. And aside from being a sleepwear, its uses also advanced into being a part of attires for formal events. You can pair it with an outer garment, a robe or a dressing gown to make it look more appropriate for receiving guests. [Ted Juhl]

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