ornamentedbeing:An English court Mantua c.1740.The Mantua was the most formal of court dress worn at
ornamentedbeing:An English court Mantua c.1740.The Mantua was the most formal of court dress worn at the most fashionable evening assemblies at court. The mantua, as it evolved in the middle of the 18th century, was not difficult to make. And because fabrics were mostly imported and thus very, very expensive, the mantua’s sole purpose was to act as a bulletin board to advertise the fabulous weath, refined tastes and exalted social position of the wearer. -- source link
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