Duchesse Explained

Duchesse (Duchesse satin) was a soft, heavy, and glossy satin cloth made in France.

Weave

Duchesse was produced with a satin weave with fine silk threads using a higher number of threads per square inch in the warp with at least seven floating yarns. The actual material was silk only but increasingly made with synthetic fibers also.^{[1] [2] [3] [4]}

Uses

Duchesse satin is valued for its richness and heavy weight. It is used mainly for bridal gowns.^[5] The dress worn by Sarah Ferguson for her wedding to Prince Andrew, Duke of York on 23 July 1986 at Westminster Abbey, was made from ivory duchesse satin and featured heavy beading.^[6] The gown worn by Queen Silvia of Sweden for her marriage with Carl XVI Gustaf in 1976 was also made of duchesse satin.^[7]

Notes and References

1. Book: Cutter's Research Journal. 2000. United States Institute for Theatre Technology, Costume Commission. 5. en.
2. Web site: Definition of DUCHESSE. 2021-05-27. www.merriam-webster.com. en.
3. Book: Jerde, Judith. Encyclopedia of textiles. 1992. New York : Facts on File. Internet Archive. 978-0-8160-2105-5. 58.
4. Book: Denton. Michael James. Textile Terms and Definitions. Daniels. Paul N.. 2002. Textile Institute. 978-1-870372-44-2. 111. en.
5. Book: Russell, Douglas A.. Stage Costume Design: Theory, Technique, and Style. 1985. Prentice-Hall. 978-0-13-840349-2. 97. en.
6. Book: Woram, Catherine. Wedding Dress Style: The Indispensable Style-file for Brides-to-be and Designers. 1993. Apple. 978-1-85076-463-2. en.
7. Web site: 2016-06-24. Sweden's Princess brides: 5 royal wedding gowns to go on display. 2021-05-27. HOLA. en.