The plain silk overgown is richly and colourfully embroidered with flower patterns: peonies, tulips and roses are still vibrant, particularly where the dress has not been exposed to daylight. The back panel has the typical Watteau-pleat; the wide, layered pleat falls from the centre of the neckline to the hem. This fashionable silhouette was acquired by wearing hip cushions or a crinoline construction, a panier, underneath the skirt. It is 365cm in circumference.This exceptional robe a la française was loaned to the museum through mediation by Carla de Jonge in 1926. The plain silk overgown is richly and colourfully embroidered with flower patterns: peonies, tulips and roses are still vibrant, particularly where the dress has not been exposed to daylight. The back panel has the typical Watteau-pleat; the wide, layered pleat falls from the centre of the neckline to the hem. This fashionable silhouette was acquired by wearing hip cushions or a crinoline construction, a panier, underneath the skirt. It is 365cm in circumference!