``Becky Sharp" from VANITY FAIR

becky_1
becky_2

The ``little adventuress" Becky Sharp has sparkling eyes, wit, charm, and a superb acting ability. The daughter of a penniless artist and a French dancer, she uses her wits to promote herself in Regency society. As she herself says "I'm no angel".

Here Becky has scaled the heights of her social ambition and is seen dressed in her Court presentation gown. It is made of oyster embroidered silk, fully lined, and overbeaded with gilt and red seed beads. The sleeves are detailed in the mock- tudor style so popular at that time. White guiper lace, and clusters of pearl and gilt beads adorn the bodice and skirt of the gown. The detachable hand embroidered crimson velvet train, the fabric supposedly stolen from Lord Steyne's house, is decorated with gold purl thread, sequins and gilt flowers.

 

becky_3

On her head are the white plumes required to be worn by court protocol, and seed pearls are threaded throughout her coiffure. The beaded smocked pouch she carries has a gilt chain, and her red plumed fan is encrusted with gems and pearls. Her jewellery consists of crystal studded pearl drop earrings, mock rubies and pearls at her neck and wrist, and an enormous jewel at her bosom - a secret present from her brother-in-law, Sir Pitt.

becky_4 becky_5

Becky also wears a full set of underpinnings consisting of a silk lace trimmed chemise, silk be-ribboned pantaloons, cream lace stockings, a satin, bow trimmed garter, and finally a pair of lace trimmed cream slippers, sparkling with `rubies'.

becky_stockings
becky_chemise
becky_acc

Back to Gene page or to the Marquise de Merteuil