] And velvet not in fashion? What makes you think so?
First of all I have not stated that velvet was disappeared from Regency dresses. ‘In fashion’ or ‘in style’ means, in my opinion, widely used. Maybe I’m wrong but in the most correct adaptations of JA novels I do not remember velvet gowns. Can you point me one? I’ve seen a lot of light fabrics (muslin, satin, silk, taffeta, gauze, crape) but no velvet. Watching P&P2 sometime I feel myself like Mr Woodhouse: don’t they catch cold with their light dresses in winter? Think of the cloak Jane wears at Netherfield ball.
Secondly, I admit, I have read such a lot of Georgette Heyer novels that I’m influenced by her picture of Regency. Is she wrong? I cannot say.
And thirdly I call as witness the mistress of the garderobe that admits that velvet was relegated to old ladies (and perhaps to some cloaks) and moreover the use of velvet trimmings doesn’t implie that an entire velvet dress was fashionable.
But I’m ready to change my opinion if anyone can produce sound evidences.