Tabby Eason

This Costume is a replication of one worn at The Devonshire House Ball in 1897 originally worn by Count Omar Hadik, he was dressed as his relative Field Marshal Count Hadik. 

This costume has been created with the intention of recreating how it would have looked at the time it was worn. Bringing colour and dimension back to what has been a flat black and white image for many years, and showing that this ball would have been a bright and colourful affair, despite how somber the images left may seem! 

The costume is based largely on Hungarian Military and Court dress from the 18th century – though warped slightly through the lens of Victorian fancy dress. In creating this costume I have aimed to recreate the original photograph as best I can, using historical techniques and materials where possible. It is comprised of four garments; fall front trousers, a lightweight linen shirt with stock and cravat, a Dolman (undercoat), and a Mente (draped overcoat). Almost all of these items are richly braided with gold trims, the designs of which I have based on extant garments where it is not clear within the photo.