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A Dress of Violet Taffeta
A sumptuous novel based on the fascinating true story of Belle Époque icon Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, a woman determined to shatter the boundaries of the fashion world and support herself and her young daughter with her magnificent designs.
Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, fabric, and texture in ways few other people do. But is the world ready for her? A world dominated by men who would try to control her and use her art for their own gain?
After being deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is desperate to survive. She turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now, she uses her courageous innovations in Belle Époque fashion to support her own little girl. Lucile knows it is an uphill battle, and a single woman is not supposed to succeed on her own, but she refuses to give up. She will claim her place in the fashion world; failure simply is not an option.
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her career, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what life throws at her, Lucile will live on as a trailblazing and fearless fashion icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn. This is her story.
Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, fabric, and texture in ways few other people do. But is the world ready for her? A world dominated by men who would try to control her and use her art for their own gain?
After being deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is desperate to survive. She turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now, she uses her courageous innovations in Belle Époque fashion to support her own little girl. Lucile knows it is an uphill battle, and a single woman is not supposed to succeed on her own, but she refuses to give up. She will claim her place in the fashion world; failure simply is not an option.
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her career, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what life throws at her, Lucile will live on as a trailblazing and fearless fashion icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn. This is her story.
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 5, 2022
751 people are currently reading
10017 people want to read
About the author
Tessa Arlen
10 books530 followersTESSA ARLEN is the USA TODAY bestselling author of IN ROYAL SERVICE TO THE QUEEN, a novel of Marion Crawford the first royal servant to kiss and tell. Tessa writes historical fiction when she is not gardening.
For more information about Tessa and her books please visit her website. http://www.tessaarlen.com/
For more information about Tessa and her books please visit her website. http://www.tessaarlen.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 408 reviews
June 29, 2022
What a gorgeously written and beautifully woven work of historical fiction! The accomplishments of “Madame Lucile,” aka Lucy Duff-Gordon, come to life. Tessa Arlen has managed to capture Lucy’s incredible talent and vision for color, and then translate that to the written word for all of us to see. Lucy led an absolutely incredible life, from penniless abandonment by her first husband to building her own business and finding success as a fashion designer. Despite poverty and the scorn of divorce at that time, Lucy took control of her own destiny. At her side is Celia, also impeccably written. Celia is actually a composite of two women who were very important in Lady Duff-Gordon’s life and business. The chapters vary between Lucy and Celia, and this gives us a look at two different class experiences of women in the early 1900s.
I also loved the peeks we get into the very dressing rooms of some of Lucy’s clients, and we get to see the way they are transformed by her amazing gowns. And we watch Lucy find love again. Lucy’s second marriage to Cosmo Duff-Gordon is written in a realistic way with all its ups and downs, especially their presence on and survival of the sinking of the Titanic, the media frenzy afterward, and its effect on their marriage. This is a mesmerizing, captivating work of art that transports us to late 19th and early 20th Century London (and later America). A Dress of Violet Taffeta truly shows us the life of a visionary woman who lived through hard times and made the most of them. Anyone who wants to read an incredible story of grit, determination, and extraordinary talent will certainly enjoy this gem by Tessa Arlen.
I received a free print copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via Austenprose Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
I also loved the peeks we get into the very dressing rooms of some of Lucy’s clients, and we get to see the way they are transformed by her amazing gowns. And we watch Lucy find love again. Lucy’s second marriage to Cosmo Duff-Gordon is written in a realistic way with all its ups and downs, especially their presence on and survival of the sinking of the Titanic, the media frenzy afterward, and its effect on their marriage. This is a mesmerizing, captivating work of art that transports us to late 19th and early 20th Century London (and later America). A Dress of Violet Taffeta truly shows us the life of a visionary woman who lived through hard times and made the most of them. Anyone who wants to read an incredible story of grit, determination, and extraordinary talent will certainly enjoy this gem by Tessa Arlen.
I received a free print copy of this book from Berkley Publishing via Austenprose Book Tours. My review is voluntary and my opinions are my own.
April 23, 2023
Dresses, dresses, dresses...who can pass up a book about a famous dress designer.
Lucy married a drinker and a philanderer. To her surprise and relief he left her.
Divorce isn't something women did in the 1800’s, but it happened.
Her mother was horrified because she said Lucy would be ostracized.
That didn't stop Lucy....she started her own dressmaking business and created gowns for famous Americans and Europeans.
A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA is about a real person Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon.
She is famous not only for her designs, but that she was a survivor of the Titanic.
Facts about investigations into the wealthy who survived was something I didn’t know.
We get to join the workers in the designing houses and learn how they works and also how some design houses would steal designs by only changing a very tiny detail and call it their own.
I do have to say it did drag on a bit, but I enjoyed it.
Fashion fans and fans of this era will love this book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
Lucy married a drinker and a philanderer. To her surprise and relief he left her.
Divorce isn't something women did in the 1800’s, but it happened.
Her mother was horrified because she said Lucy would be ostracized.
That didn't stop Lucy....she started her own dressmaking business and created gowns for famous Americans and Europeans.
A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA is about a real person Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon.
She is famous not only for her designs, but that she was a survivor of the Titanic.
Facts about investigations into the wealthy who survived was something I didn’t know.
We get to join the workers in the designing houses and learn how they works and also how some design houses would steal designs by only changing a very tiny detail and call it their own.
I do have to say it did drag on a bit, but I enjoyed it.
Fashion fans and fans of this era will love this book. 4/5
This book was given to me by the publisher via NetGalley for an honest review.
March 8, 2022
A sumptuous treat of elegant prose, evocative descriptions, and compelling emotions. Arlen’s writing absolutely shines in A Dress of Violet Taffeta. She succeeds in making fashion designer and Titanic-survivor Lucy Duff Gordon both relatable and sympathetic, and stirs the senses with her lush depictions of clothing and settings.
July 19, 2022
3-1/2*
This is a lovely historical-fiction set in the late 1800’s/ early 1900’s starring Lucy – Lady Duff Gordon who defied all accepted norms of that time period by divorcing her husband who had abandoned her and her daughter. Lucy, now penniless, at risk of being shunned by society because of the divorce, is completely responsible for her child and her ageing mother and Celia the only scullery maid she can afford to keep in service. A very scary position to be in!
But Lucy is no shrinking violet – she has a gift and she will use it in spite of her mother being horrified at Lucy becoming a dressmaker!! Ladies of this era simply did not go into ‘trade’.
As it turns out Celia is not as simple as a scullery maid is assumed to be and in fact becomes Lucy’s invaluable helper and assistant.
Lucy’s dress designs are described sumptuously and the author captures the time period brilliantly and I was happy to find that Lucy enjoyed a second happy marriage to Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon. They survived the sinking of the Titanic which placed them in an unpleasant position when they were called upon to give evidence at the Board of Trade hearing into the disaster.
Based on the real La Belle Époque Lady Duff Gordon, this is a shimmering story of a woman way before her time who defied all the odds in a male dominated world to become an icon in her own right.
This is a lovely historical-fiction set in the late 1800’s/ early 1900’s starring Lucy – Lady Duff Gordon who defied all accepted norms of that time period by divorcing her husband who had abandoned her and her daughter. Lucy, now penniless, at risk of being shunned by society because of the divorce, is completely responsible for her child and her ageing mother and Celia the only scullery maid she can afford to keep in service. A very scary position to be in!
But Lucy is no shrinking violet – she has a gift and she will use it in spite of her mother being horrified at Lucy becoming a dressmaker!! Ladies of this era simply did not go into ‘trade’.
As it turns out Celia is not as simple as a scullery maid is assumed to be and in fact becomes Lucy’s invaluable helper and assistant.
Lucy’s dress designs are described sumptuously and the author captures the time period brilliantly and I was happy to find that Lucy enjoyed a second happy marriage to Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon. They survived the sinking of the Titanic which placed them in an unpleasant position when they were called upon to give evidence at the Board of Trade hearing into the disaster.
Based on the real La Belle Époque Lady Duff Gordon, this is a shimmering story of a woman way before her time who defied all the odds in a male dominated world to become an icon in her own right.
July 11, 2022
There are times when a book is so captivating that you’re sad when you reach the end. This is one of those books.
I didn’t know Lucy Duff Gordon’s story before reading and was fascinated from the start as she bravely navigated divorcing a terrible man and put all of her financial eggs in one basket as she designed her first dress, to be worn at a fashionable house party in hopes of establishing a dress-making business. The business side of the story is interesting enough, but the personal side of the story is truly wonderful.
Where this book really shines for me is in the beautiful way Lucy and Cosmo’s relationship unfolds. I found myself marveling several times at how so much is conveyed in few words. If I was the kind of person who highlighted and annotated my books, those scenes would be full of notations.
I admit that I was biased coming into this book, as I recently found Tessa Arlen’s books and have gobbled them all up in a short amount of time. I appreciate her writing, especially her subtle humor. I think this may be my favorite of all of her books, which is saying something. I laughed a lot. I cried during the Titanic scenes and a few times after. I loved every minute of it.
Just for fun, my progress notes...
page 50 I am completely enchanted.
page 100 Oh hello, we get a siège d’amour mention!
page 150 "The last thing she wanted was to hurt a man she admired and trusted and who had fallen for the woman she wished she was.” Le sigh.
page 175 Esmé in France has me smiling and laughing. This book is so charming.
page 200 If I was the type to use those little post-it flags to mark beautifully written passages or poignant moments, this book would be full of those little things.
page 250 I don’t want it to end.
page 283 Crying like a baby over this Titanic scene…and I know what happens already!
I didn’t know Lucy Duff Gordon’s story before reading and was fascinated from the start as she bravely navigated divorcing a terrible man and put all of her financial eggs in one basket as she designed her first dress, to be worn at a fashionable house party in hopes of establishing a dress-making business. The business side of the story is interesting enough, but the personal side of the story is truly wonderful.
Where this book really shines for me is in the beautiful way Lucy and Cosmo’s relationship unfolds. I found myself marveling several times at how so much is conveyed in few words. If I was the kind of person who highlighted and annotated my books, those scenes would be full of notations.
I admit that I was biased coming into this book, as I recently found Tessa Arlen’s books and have gobbled them all up in a short amount of time. I appreciate her writing, especially her subtle humor. I think this may be my favorite of all of her books, which is saying something. I laughed a lot. I cried during the Titanic scenes and a few times after. I loved every minute of it.
Just for fun, my progress notes...
page 50 I am completely enchanted.
page 100 Oh hello, we get a siège d’amour mention!
page 150 "The last thing she wanted was to hurt a man she admired and trusted and who had fallen for the woman she wished she was.” Le sigh.
page 175 Esmé in France has me smiling and laughing. This book is so charming.
page 200 If I was the type to use those little post-it flags to mark beautifully written passages or poignant moments, this book would be full of those little things.
page 250 I don’t want it to end.
page 283 Crying like a baby over this Titanic scene…and I know what happens already!
March 16, 2023
1893-1912: Fascinating portrait of a woman lost to history- like so many have been in its annals, and in this case one who had a Coco Chanel story long before she joined the fashion story. Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon of Lucile Ltd. built a fashion house in Britain out of necessity after her spendthrift husband divorced her, leaving her and her daughter in a financially precarious position. Her connections to gentry and sheer talent with design and colour made her a preeminent couturier, whose lower prices and exceptional dress construction were much preferred among her British clientele. The more expensive fashion houses in Paris became second choices as more and more recently wealthy Americans hobnobbed among England’s upper classes and Lucy’s fashion business expanded across the Atlantic.
Lucy was very unusual for her time. She did begin as a dressmaker, and was not especially accepted among the gentry because she was “in trade”, yet she was really the first female couturier owning her own business. She was an innovator, beginning what we know now of as the “catwalk”, putting on the first fashion show with live models which had never been done before. Her “empire” eventually had businesses in Paris, London and New York, and she designed luxurious lingerie which was not utilitarian- which was considered scandalous in some circles.
Her second marriage to Sir Duff Gordon helped to give her career wings. This biographical historical fiction version embellishes their relationship, ascribing a love story for which the author acknowledges no factual basis. The Belle Epoch era is lushly described around them, however, including the grandeur of the lifestyles, Prince Edward’s entourage and shifting mistresses and the gradual changes with technology. The dressing up, the dresses changed into and out of - sometimes 5 times a day- and “seasons” prepared for necessitated astoundingly immense wardrobes. Lucile Ltd. was there to create them.
Lucy and Duff were also survivors of the sinking of the Titanic; they were painted with a black brush, erroneously, from which Duff never really recovered.
The novel leaves them working at mending their relationship after this debacle, in France.
I had to go snooping to look for Lucile.Ltd’s creations- wondering why this woman had faded into obscurity. I’d say it was a number of issues- British snobbery, the Titanic history, Lucy eventually spreading herself thinly over many projects and poor press. Her creations, however, stand the test of time and some are absolutely breathtaking. (A later court case about proprietary ownership, not described in the novel, of “a name” in terms of business set a precedent because of Lucile.Ltd. This woman was ahead of her time, if not necessarily on the winning side.)
I do thank author Tessa Arlen for alerting me to Lucy’s story. It would make a juicy Netflix tale.
Four strong stars
Lucy was very unusual for her time. She did begin as a dressmaker, and was not especially accepted among the gentry because she was “in trade”, yet she was really the first female couturier owning her own business. She was an innovator, beginning what we know now of as the “catwalk”, putting on the first fashion show with live models which had never been done before. Her “empire” eventually had businesses in Paris, London and New York, and she designed luxurious lingerie which was not utilitarian- which was considered scandalous in some circles.
Her second marriage to Sir Duff Gordon helped to give her career wings. This biographical historical fiction version embellishes their relationship, ascribing a love story for which the author acknowledges no factual basis. The Belle Epoch era is lushly described around them, however, including the grandeur of the lifestyles, Prince Edward’s entourage and shifting mistresses and the gradual changes with technology. The dressing up, the dresses changed into and out of - sometimes 5 times a day- and “seasons” prepared for necessitated astoundingly immense wardrobes. Lucile Ltd. was there to create them.
Lucy and Duff were also survivors of the sinking of the Titanic; they were painted with a black brush, erroneously, from which Duff never really recovered.
The novel leaves them working at mending their relationship after this debacle, in France.
I had to go snooping to look for Lucile.Ltd’s creations- wondering why this woman had faded into obscurity. I’d say it was a number of issues- British snobbery, the Titanic history, Lucy eventually spreading herself thinly over many projects and poor press. Her creations, however, stand the test of time and some are absolutely breathtaking. (A later court case about proprietary ownership, not described in the novel, of “a name” in terms of business set a precedent because of Lucile.Ltd. This woman was ahead of her time, if not necessarily on the winning side.)
I do thank author Tessa Arlen for alerting me to Lucy’s story. It would make a juicy Netflix tale.
Four strong stars
June 18, 2022
Four and a Half Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭒
A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a fictional account of the life of Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, and her rise to fame as a fashion icon. It’s a fabulous story of grit and determination.
The story follows Lucy, from the betrayal of her first husband and subsequent divorce to her rise to fame as the owner of one of the finest fashion houses in London. After Lucy’s husband deserts her, she is left to raise her daughter, Esme, with only one scullery maid, Celia for help running the house. Lucy must find a way to support them all, and with Celia’s help, she uses her talents as a seamstress and designer to start making and designing dresses for friends, family, and the high society of London. Lucy has an eye for fabrics and fashion and her designs are unique and become coveted by high society immediately and her empire grows fast.
Lucy’s life changes when she meets Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon, Lucy is reluctant to have a relationship after her previous husband deserted her, but Cosmo is very persistent. Later her life changes again when she embarks on a fateful trip to New York on the Titanic.
I enjoyed this look inside the life of a strong, successful woman in a time when men dominated the fashion world in London. She overcame a lot of obstacles and I enjoyed reading about her struggles and her eventual success. I loved all the descriptions of the beautiful dresses, as well as how she creates them.
I liked the alternating POVs between Lucy and her scullery maid Celia, who eventually becomes her business partner. I learned a lot more about Lucy, by reading Celia's chapters as she described her life working for Lucy.
The author did a lot of research, and I appreciated her descriptions of Lucy’s journey on The Titanic and the aftermath of the disastrous sinking of the ship. I liked the way she described the elegance of the Titanic as seen through Lucy’s eyes, and she made sure to highlight the differences between the separate class accommodations. Make sure you read the author's notes at the end of the book as the author describes her research.
I highly recommend A Dress of Violet Taffeta to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a fictional account of the life of Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, and her rise to fame as a fashion icon. It’s a fabulous story of grit and determination.
The story follows Lucy, from the betrayal of her first husband and subsequent divorce to her rise to fame as the owner of one of the finest fashion houses in London. After Lucy’s husband deserts her, she is left to raise her daughter, Esme, with only one scullery maid, Celia for help running the house. Lucy must find a way to support them all, and with Celia’s help, she uses her talents as a seamstress and designer to start making and designing dresses for friends, family, and the high society of London. Lucy has an eye for fabrics and fashion and her designs are unique and become coveted by high society immediately and her empire grows fast.
Lucy’s life changes when she meets Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon, Lucy is reluctant to have a relationship after her previous husband deserted her, but Cosmo is very persistent. Later her life changes again when she embarks on a fateful trip to New York on the Titanic.
I enjoyed this look inside the life of a strong, successful woman in a time when men dominated the fashion world in London. She overcame a lot of obstacles and I enjoyed reading about her struggles and her eventual success. I loved all the descriptions of the beautiful dresses, as well as how she creates them.
I liked the alternating POVs between Lucy and her scullery maid Celia, who eventually becomes her business partner. I learned a lot more about Lucy, by reading Celia's chapters as she described her life working for Lucy.
The author did a lot of research, and I appreciated her descriptions of Lucy’s journey on The Titanic and the aftermath of the disastrous sinking of the ship. I liked the way she described the elegance of the Titanic as seen through Lucy’s eyes, and she made sure to highlight the differences between the separate class accommodations. Make sure you read the author's notes at the end of the book as the author describes her research.
I highly recommend A Dress of Violet Taffeta to anyone who enjoys historical fiction. I received a complimentary copy of this book. The opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
December 11, 2022
This has so many of the elements I am looking for in a historical fiction book.
Based on true events the author has done plenty of research and made this a fascinating read.
Lucy Duff Gordon married a man who couldn't be faithful and had a drinking problem. Despite her mother's objections she divorced him, which caused whisperings and a scandal, but she didn't care. Left with a young daughter to support she had to do something and put to use her sewing skills she had developed since childhood. She shakes up the world of design in what had been a male dominated world of haute couture. I loved reading about the cut, style, and design of the dresses. I just imagine feeling the lushness of the fabrics and the weight of it in my hands. Such lovely designs. She is a real trailblazer not only as a fashion designer but as a woman going above and beyond what was expected of a woman. In her mind failure was not an option. This is a woman to be admired.
Pub Date 05 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Based on true events the author has done plenty of research and made this a fascinating read.
Lucy Duff Gordon married a man who couldn't be faithful and had a drinking problem. Despite her mother's objections she divorced him, which caused whisperings and a scandal, but she didn't care. Left with a young daughter to support she had to do something and put to use her sewing skills she had developed since childhood. She shakes up the world of design in what had been a male dominated world of haute couture. I loved reading about the cut, style, and design of the dresses. I just imagine feeling the lushness of the fabrics and the weight of it in my hands. Such lovely designs. She is a real trailblazer not only as a fashion designer but as a woman going above and beyond what was expected of a woman. In her mind failure was not an option. This is a woman to be admired.
Pub Date 05 Jul 2022
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 7, 2022
A Dress of Violet Taffeta is beautifully written. It chronicles the life of Lady Duff Gordon. She was a very strong woman who paved the way for women in business during the Gilded Age.
The story begins after Lucy's (Lady Duff Gordon) husband left her for a dancer. He took all of the money and she was left to care for their young daughter. Her life of leisure was at an end. The servants were let go and she was left with one servant, who was not proficient in her duties. Celia became vital in her quest to enter the world of fashion.
I found this book to be fascinating. Lucy and Celia are real people who lived a life that made it possible for women to enter the fashion industry. A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a "rags to riches" story.
The story doesn't end with Lucy's rise in fashion. She also survived the Titanic. If you enjoy reading about strong women and their determination to succeed, you should pick up this novel.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
The story begins after Lucy's (Lady Duff Gordon) husband left her for a dancer. He took all of the money and she was left to care for their young daughter. Her life of leisure was at an end. The servants were let go and she was left with one servant, who was not proficient in her duties. Celia became vital in her quest to enter the world of fashion.
I found this book to be fascinating. Lucy and Celia are real people who lived a life that made it possible for women to enter the fashion industry. A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a "rags to riches" story.
The story doesn't end with Lucy's rise in fashion. She also survived the Titanic. If you enjoy reading about strong women and their determination to succeed, you should pick up this novel.
Source: I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
July 2, 2022
I have always loved reading about fashion in the books I read, and this time, this story is about the icon of British fashion of the 19th and 20th century, Lady Lucy Duff Gordon. In addition to her fashion sense and style, she is one of the surviving passengers of the Titanic in 1912. Lucille is definitely a woman well ahead of her time, with a male dominated fashion industry, she is considered a trailblazer despite having to make her own way even after her cheating wealthy husband leaves her.
Lucille's life is not only a study in resilience despite harrowing circumstances, but she is also a woman determined to succeed with whatever she has - her talents, creativity, and finding opportunities and to never give up.
I found the writing enthralling, and inspirational. The descriptions were immersive and really drew me into the Belle Epoque era, including the sights, sounds, and textures. This very well researched story was astounding and such a joy to read.
Lucille's life is not only a study in resilience despite harrowing circumstances, but she is also a woman determined to succeed with whatever she has - her talents, creativity, and finding opportunities and to never give up.
I found the writing enthralling, and inspirational. The descriptions were immersive and really drew me into the Belle Epoque era, including the sights, sounds, and textures. This very well researched story was astounding and such a joy to read.
June 24, 2022
This story breaks all the stereotypes about Gilded Age women being locked away at home, depending on their husband's riches in order to survive. Lucy Duff Gordon, after being abandoned by her first husband, made her own riches as a pioneer in the fashion world, a woman who understood other women's needs and desires when it came to the clothing they wore. The book takes the reader on a journey from desperation to success to tragedy to recovery, written in a sumptuous, engaging style that appeals to all the senses and brings Lucy, her creations, and her world vividly alive.
July 19, 2022
I have to say that Tessa Arlen has been an author that I have enjoyed in different ways over the years. I started reading her earlier books years ago which were mostly historical mysteries. Later on I discovered her new heroines and historical fiction series as well and later on a standalone historical fiction novel. Some times, some authors are better at writing mysteries while others thrieve with general historical fiction. Arlen is wonderful at all of them! I have loved many of her books for different reasons as they are always well written and researched.
This book was a no brainer! First I featured an excerpt for a tour of the book, but I knew this would be one that I would absolutely read, sadly the tour timeline didn’t line up with my own reading calendar so I had to just do a feature for the tour but immediately started reading the book as soon as I read the excerpt! It sounded so good and plus—that COVER! I am so in love with the cover! It’s stunning and a wonderful historical fiction read.
One of the reasons that I was so drawn to this book (besides the author and cover) was the time period. I love Edwardian era books so much and often they are few and far between with authors favoring either the Victorian era or WWI. The Edwardian era is such a weird time period with authors often just lightly touching on it and then moving on into WWI, but with Arlen I knew that I would get a well researched and well written accounting of my favorite historical period! And I was not disappointed!
Before I read this book I had no idea who Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon was. Essentially I was a blank slate when it came to the main character of this novel and I found that the more I read her as a character, the more I wanted to know about her. I often found myself distracted from the book and down a Wikipedia rabit hole looking for more info about this interesting main character. That’s not to say that book was ‘boring’ just because I was distracted—on the contrary I was so interested in the main character that I wanted to know all the things about her! You cannot help but fall in love with Lucy. Her husband leaves her with a young daughter to raise and ultimately she is divorced from her first husband—practically unheard of in that time!She was also one of the survivors of the Titanic and the whole time I was thinking ‘I need to know everything about this woman!”. She instantly captured me heart and imagination. I felt positively transported by this book thanks to her character, not to mention the historical details!
Arlen knows her history. But with this book she really highlights the fashion of the time period in addition to capturing the details of the time period. I love fashion and Edwardian era fashion was elegant and for women, complex. I can’t imagine wearing a dress that was so hard to get on that I needed a lady’s maid to help me! But then again I wear mostly gym clothes so there’s that! At any rate, I couldn’t help but be interested in the dresses and the designes of the time and I loved how Arlen let the fashion industry take the lead in some ways throughout the novel.
This book is full of history and intereting characters and plot. But it doesn’t read like a history book. It isn’t full of boring and cold facts but rather it’s full of vibrant and interesting details and a thrilling story of perseverance, emotion, and charm. The prose is elegant and as you are reading you feel like you are reading something just as elegant and polished as one of Lucy’s designs. I absolutely loved this book and cannot tell you how much I recommend it. I knew it was going to be great but it ended up not just being great but exceptional! I adored my time with the characters and story and was sorry to see it end. Historical fiction fans, this is the book you have been waiting for this summer! Add this one to your TBR immediately!
This book was a no brainer! First I featured an excerpt for a tour of the book, but I knew this would be one that I would absolutely read, sadly the tour timeline didn’t line up with my own reading calendar so I had to just do a feature for the tour but immediately started reading the book as soon as I read the excerpt! It sounded so good and plus—that COVER! I am so in love with the cover! It’s stunning and a wonderful historical fiction read.
One of the reasons that I was so drawn to this book (besides the author and cover) was the time period. I love Edwardian era books so much and often they are few and far between with authors favoring either the Victorian era or WWI. The Edwardian era is such a weird time period with authors often just lightly touching on it and then moving on into WWI, but with Arlen I knew that I would get a well researched and well written accounting of my favorite historical period! And I was not disappointed!
Before I read this book I had no idea who Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon was. Essentially I was a blank slate when it came to the main character of this novel and I found that the more I read her as a character, the more I wanted to know about her. I often found myself distracted from the book and down a Wikipedia rabit hole looking for more info about this interesting main character. That’s not to say that book was ‘boring’ just because I was distracted—on the contrary I was so interested in the main character that I wanted to know all the things about her! You cannot help but fall in love with Lucy. Her husband leaves her with a young daughter to raise and ultimately she is divorced from her first husband—practically unheard of in that time!She was also one of the survivors of the Titanic and the whole time I was thinking ‘I need to know everything about this woman!”. She instantly captured me heart and imagination. I felt positively transported by this book thanks to her character, not to mention the historical details!
Arlen knows her history. But with this book she really highlights the fashion of the time period in addition to capturing the details of the time period. I love fashion and Edwardian era fashion was elegant and for women, complex. I can’t imagine wearing a dress that was so hard to get on that I needed a lady’s maid to help me! But then again I wear mostly gym clothes so there’s that! At any rate, I couldn’t help but be interested in the dresses and the designes of the time and I loved how Arlen let the fashion industry take the lead in some ways throughout the novel.
This book is full of history and intereting characters and plot. But it doesn’t read like a history book. It isn’t full of boring and cold facts but rather it’s full of vibrant and interesting details and a thrilling story of perseverance, emotion, and charm. The prose is elegant and as you are reading you feel like you are reading something just as elegant and polished as one of Lucy’s designs. I absolutely loved this book and cannot tell you how much I recommend it. I knew it was going to be great but it ended up not just being great but exceptional! I adored my time with the characters and story and was sorry to see it end. Historical fiction fans, this is the book you have been waiting for this summer! Add this one to your TBR immediately!
May 26, 2022
In 1893, this story jumps into Lucy Wallace’s dire situation: abandoned by her alcoholic husband, out of money, down to one mediocre maid, about to divorce, and living with a difficult mother. But Lucy has a plan to design and sell gowns, and she has the determination to pull it off.
The POV also includes her maid Celia, raised in a workhouse and who yearns for more after helping Lucy with her sewing ambitions.
Lucy has a discerning eye and a gift for colors and fabrics. She begins to design and secretly sew gowns for her and her sister’s wealthy friends. Celia with her business acumen quickly becomes her devoted assistant.
A lot of Lucy’s character comes through in Celia’s observations. I wish we saw more of Lucy’s reflections because her life was full of fascinating experiences. Her sister Elinor was a successful and scandalous playwright but their friendship and rivalry wasn’t highlighted. Nor was her relationship with the man who would eventually become her second husband and greatest supporter until it all fell apart—an element we don’t see in the book.
There wasn’t a character arc to Celia or Lucy. We watched their steady progress from afar as it’s more of a name dropping and event-reviewing walk through the 1880s-1910s than an in-depth look at Lucy herself. There was no narrative thread to connect the string of events, so by the time the Titanic sank I had lost interest and then the book just stopped.
Too much telling and not enough character development for me, but the setting comes alive and this is a well-researched gilded age fictionalized account of an acclaimed designer.
2.5 rounded up. I received an arc from NetGalley
The POV also includes her maid Celia, raised in a workhouse and who yearns for more after helping Lucy with her sewing ambitions.
Lucy has a discerning eye and a gift for colors and fabrics. She begins to design and secretly sew gowns for her and her sister’s wealthy friends. Celia with her business acumen quickly becomes her devoted assistant.
A lot of Lucy’s character comes through in Celia’s observations. I wish we saw more of Lucy’s reflections because her life was full of fascinating experiences. Her sister Elinor was a successful and scandalous playwright but their friendship and rivalry wasn’t highlighted. Nor was her relationship with the man who would eventually become her second husband and greatest supporter until it all fell apart—an element we don’t see in the book.
There wasn’t a character arc to Celia or Lucy. We watched their steady progress from afar as it’s more of a name dropping and event-reviewing walk through the 1880s-1910s than an in-depth look at Lucy herself. There was no narrative thread to connect the string of events, so by the time the Titanic sank I had lost interest and then the book just stopped.
Too much telling and not enough character development for me, but the setting comes alive and this is a well-researched gilded age fictionalized account of an acclaimed designer.
2.5 rounded up. I received an arc from NetGalley
July 7, 2022
Fascinating, rich, and insightful!
A Dress of Violet Taffeta is an enchanting, beautifully written interpretation that sweeps you away to England between 1893 and 1912 and into the life of Lucy Christiana Sutherland from her disastrous first marriage and subsequent divorce to James Stuart Wallace, her rise and fame as an international fashion designer, her courtship and second marriage to Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, and her survival of one of the most famous, tragic accidents of the twentieth century, the sinking of the Titanic.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are hardworking, innovative, and independent. And the plot is an absorbing tale of life, love, friendship, family, determination, passion, courage, survival, and the ins and outs of dressmaking in the early 1900s.
Overall, A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a vivid, immersive, intriguing novel by Arlen that does an exceptional job of highlighting her impressive knowledge and considerable research into this renowned iconic figure whose ingenuity, life, and hard work had a tremendous impact on the world of fashion.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Austenprose PR for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
A Dress of Violet Taffeta is an enchanting, beautifully written interpretation that sweeps you away to England between 1893 and 1912 and into the life of Lucy Christiana Sutherland from her disastrous first marriage and subsequent divorce to James Stuart Wallace, her rise and fame as an international fashion designer, her courtship and second marriage to Sir Cosmo Duff-Gordon, and her survival of one of the most famous, tragic accidents of the twentieth century, the sinking of the Titanic.
The prose is eloquent and expressive. The characters are hardworking, innovative, and independent. And the plot is an absorbing tale of life, love, friendship, family, determination, passion, courage, survival, and the ins and outs of dressmaking in the early 1900s.
Overall, A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a vivid, immersive, intriguing novel by Arlen that does an exceptional job of highlighting her impressive knowledge and considerable research into this renowned iconic figure whose ingenuity, life, and hard work had a tremendous impact on the world of fashion.
Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Austenprose PR for gifting me a copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 13, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up.
An unputdownable book about Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and the impact she had on the fashion world. In the late 1900s, Lucy Wallace need to find a way to support herself and her young daughter, after she divorced her abusive, drunken husband. At that time it was scandalous for an upper class woman to divorce, and even more shocking for her to work. But Lucy had a talent for designing dresses, and she eventually opened up her own salon for custom designs. The society women were enthralled by her custom designs and her reputation for beautiful dresses, hats and accessories grew. Her assistant, Celia, who started as a scullery maid in her house, proved her worth as an assistant and eventually became her salon manager. Lucy eventually caught the eye (and heart) of Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon. They eventually married and he became her financial manager. Lucy was quite innovative in her design, eventually eschewing corsets and became the first couture designer to use live “mannequins” to show off her dresses in a show. As her business expanded, she opened up a salon in New York. In April 1912, she, Duff Gordon and Celia boarded a ship to sail to NYC. Their lives would never be the same.
Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon were real people. (Is it bad that I always read Cosmo’s name as “Duff Goldman” of Food Network fame?) All the characters in the book, real or imagined, are very well portrayed. Celia is a composite of two of Lucy’s assistants. The best parts of the story are the descriptions of the dresses. They are ethereal. Down the Google rabbit hole you will go, looking at pictures. Fortunately the photos are in color, since aside from design, Lucy’s main talent was her use of color.
This book is an absolute recommend.
An unputdownable book about Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and the impact she had on the fashion world. In the late 1900s, Lucy Wallace need to find a way to support herself and her young daughter, after she divorced her abusive, drunken husband. At that time it was scandalous for an upper class woman to divorce, and even more shocking for her to work. But Lucy had a talent for designing dresses, and she eventually opened up her own salon for custom designs. The society women were enthralled by her custom designs and her reputation for beautiful dresses, hats and accessories grew. Her assistant, Celia, who started as a scullery maid in her house, proved her worth as an assistant and eventually became her salon manager. Lucy eventually caught the eye (and heart) of Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon. They eventually married and he became her financial manager. Lucy was quite innovative in her design, eventually eschewing corsets and became the first couture designer to use live “mannequins” to show off her dresses in a show. As her business expanded, she opened up a salon in New York. In April 1912, she, Duff Gordon and Celia boarded a ship to sail to NYC. Their lives would never be the same.
Lady Lucy Duff Gordon and Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon were real people. (Is it bad that I always read Cosmo’s name as “Duff Goldman” of Food Network fame?) All the characters in the book, real or imagined, are very well portrayed. Celia is a composite of two of Lucy’s assistants. The best parts of the story are the descriptions of the dresses. They are ethereal. Down the Google rabbit hole you will go, looking at pictures. Fortunately the photos are in color, since aside from design, Lucy’s main talent was her use of color.
This book is an absolute recommend.
July 1, 2022
This is a story of the grit and determination of a woman who takes what some would consider her lowest point and turns it into a fashion empire! And I love that it’s based on real events.
When Lucy’s cheating husband leaves her, Lucy decides she’s not going to sit around and pine for him. She lets all the house staff go because she can’t afford them on her own, with the exception of the scullery maid, Celia, who she can pay a little and train to help with her daughter, as well as work around the house. Lucy figures out how to make dresses for herself to save money and then realizes that she can sell them and support herself and her daughter and some staff. Celia turns into a great helper and soon they are creating dresses for the high society ladies who can’t get enough of setting trends. Lucy’s sister is going through her own family drama, and writes novels in order to support herself and their mother is none too pleased that her daughters aren’t sitting around trying to find new husbands. Soon Lucy is opening stores arising the world and she meets Cosmo, who turned out to be a great partner, advisor and lover and husband. All is well until they decide to voyage by ship and I’ll let you figure out what happens from there.
Fascinating and educational. I enjoyed this trip back in time.
Thanks to Berkley Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
When Lucy’s cheating husband leaves her, Lucy decides she’s not going to sit around and pine for him. She lets all the house staff go because she can’t afford them on her own, with the exception of the scullery maid, Celia, who she can pay a little and train to help with her daughter, as well as work around the house. Lucy figures out how to make dresses for herself to save money and then realizes that she can sell them and support herself and her daughter and some staff. Celia turns into a great helper and soon they are creating dresses for the high society ladies who can’t get enough of setting trends. Lucy’s sister is going through her own family drama, and writes novels in order to support herself and their mother is none too pleased that her daughters aren’t sitting around trying to find new husbands. Soon Lucy is opening stores arising the world and she meets Cosmo, who turned out to be a great partner, advisor and lover and husband. All is well until they decide to voyage by ship and I’ll let you figure out what happens from there.
Fascinating and educational. I enjoyed this trip back in time.
Thanks to Berkley Books and NetGalley for this eArc in exchange for my review.
July 18, 2023
4.5 stars
Historical fiction continues to amaze and surprise me! Through Titanic I had heard the name Lady Duff Gordon, but this is a fascinating story of Lucy's life before she met Cosmo Duff Gordon. Lucy had a passion for dressmaking, textiles and colors and it rescued her when she became a divorcée in 1893. While the beginning of the book was a bit slow (she had a long career before mixing company with Cosmo), I was captivated by her life! Another surprise was reading about early fashion shows! I'm not sure if Lucy is credited with the first fashion shows but she certainly must have been among the first.
Whatever you do don't look up Lady and Cosmo Duff Gordon. I made some assumptions that turned out to be false! Also the author's notes about the characters were equally heartbreaking. I appreciate so much more the liberties Arlen took in crafting this beautiful story and developing these characters that I loved!
Historical fiction continues to amaze and surprise me! Through Titanic I had heard the name Lady Duff Gordon, but this is a fascinating story of Lucy's life before she met Cosmo Duff Gordon. Lucy had a passion for dressmaking, textiles and colors and it rescued her when she became a divorcée in 1893. While the beginning of the book was a bit slow (she had a long career before mixing company with Cosmo), I was captivated by her life! Another surprise was reading about early fashion shows! I'm not sure if Lucy is credited with the first fashion shows but she certainly must have been among the first.
Whatever you do don't look up Lady and Cosmo Duff Gordon. I made some assumptions that turned out to be false! Also the author's notes about the characters were equally heartbreaking. I appreciate so much more the liberties Arlen took in crafting this beautiful story and developing these characters that I loved!
September 2, 2022
It was just not my type of book. No mystery, action, intrigue. It was more like reading a biography. Which I find boring. The writing is good. Nothing against the author. This just wasn’t my speed.
August 22, 2022
There's a lot of fabric in this terrific historical fiction. Abandoned by her first husband, but with a gift of fashion design and her upper class connections Lucy Lady Duff Gordon became one of the most successful haute couture designers of the early 20th century. She's best known now for surviving the sinking of the Titanic, but this excellent back story focuses on how she attained her phenomenal success. 4 stars
June 14, 2022
Lucy Duff Gordon knows she is talented. She sees color, light, and texture in ways few people can begin to imagine. But is the male dominated world of haute couture, who would use her art for their own gain, ready for her?
When she is deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is left penniless with an aging mother and her five-year-old daughter to support. Desperate to survive, Lucy turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now, she uses her creative designs and her remarkable eye for color to take her place in the fashion world—failure is not an option.
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her fashion label Lucile, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what life throws at her, Lucy will live on as a trailblazing and innovative fashion icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn. This is her story.
This is a book that is more of the life and times of Lucy Duff Gordon than a novel Lucy was innovative in dress design.
This book was overly long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
When she is deserted by her wealthy husband, Lucy is left penniless with an aging mother and her five-year-old daughter to support. Desperate to survive, Lucy turns to her one true talent to make a living. As a little girl, the dresses she made for her dolls were the envy of her group of playmates. Now, she uses her creative designs and her remarkable eye for color to take her place in the fashion world—failure is not an option.
Then, on a frigid night in 1912, Lucy’s life changes once more, when she becomes one of 706 people to survive the sinking of the Titanic. She could never have imagined the effects the disaster would have on her fashion label Lucile, her marriage to her second husband, and her legacy. But no matter what life throws at her, Lucy will live on as a trailblazing and innovative fashion icon, never letting go of what she worked so hard to earn. This is her story.
This is a book that is more of the life and times of Lucy Duff Gordon than a novel Lucy was innovative in dress design.
This book was overly long.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley.
This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
July 3, 2022
Pros :: Loved this book and learned about Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon, her business Lucile Ltd, and what fun it was to read about fashion, a strong woman, all sprinkled with romance. Strong characters include: Lucy, her sister Elinor (what a hoot she sounds like, maybe a historical novel of her?), Celia Franklin (the manager), Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon and even Lucy and Elinor's mom, and Mrs. Kennedy. Good pacing, conversations and all around well-written book. Interesting to learn about their (Lucy, Cosmo & Celia) from the Titanic and the inquiry afterwards. So fascinating that Lucy had shops in London, NYC and Paris yet is doesn’t seem to have a well-known name, a name that’s been lost to history. So grateful to read about true women making their own way, regardless of society’s restrictions. Resilience, luck and hard work.
Cons :: Nothing over all. For me, it would have been interesting to know how Lucy sourced her materials, including the silk materials and a mention of how the dyes were done to the fabric. Just a couple of paragraphs or so. It's also nice to have photos, even with a fiction book. Nothing to take away from the author for these two things.
Cover art :: 4 out of 5 Love the edges and the color of the dress. Gah! Another cover with the model turned away from us....
Cons :: Nothing over all. For me, it would have been interesting to know how Lucy sourced her materials, including the silk materials and a mention of how the dyes were done to the fabric. Just a couple of paragraphs or so. It's also nice to have photos, even with a fiction book. Nothing to take away from the author for these two things.
Cover art :: 4 out of 5 Love the edges and the color of the dress. Gah! Another cover with the model turned away from us....
May 9, 2023
Historical Fiction set in the late 1800’s early 1900’'s about Lucy Duff Gordan, famed dress designer and innovator in the fashion world.
To say that Duff Gordon blazed the trail would be putting things mildly. The story is good, and the protagonist being a strong women did not hurt the chances of my liking it. The tale begins when Lucy divorces her first alcoholic/gambling husband and is in need of way of supporting herself and her daughter. She begins designing dresses for rich women she has come to know through her sister and becomes the go-to couture.
I was a bit disappointed in the ending being so abrupt, I would have preferred the author carried the story to it's final end. Arlen admits to embellishing here and there on the true story, but her facts are correct and so it appears her research was solid.
A decent book to while the spring time days away with-
To say that Duff Gordon blazed the trail would be putting things mildly. The story is good, and the protagonist being a strong women did not hurt the chances of my liking it. The tale begins when Lucy divorces her first alcoholic/gambling husband and is in need of way of supporting herself and her daughter. She begins designing dresses for rich women she has come to know through her sister and becomes the go-to couture.
I was a bit disappointed in the ending being so abrupt, I would have preferred the author carried the story to it's final end. Arlen admits to embellishing here and there on the true story, but her facts are correct and so it appears her research was solid.
A decent book to while the spring time days away with-
August 25, 2024
I didn't know what to expect when I began reading the fictionalized novel about Lady Duff-Gordon, as I really didn't know anything about her.
Young Lucille Sutherland loved fashion and design her whole life, but when her womanizing husband leaves her with no resources she must use her love and talent to survive.
In many ways this is a story of survival and rising from the ashes, but it also a story of fashion and sumptuous materials, magnificent colors and the creative impulse. Many of Lucy's dresses were vividly described, but I still would have loved to have seen them in real life.
While there are exciting moments in this book, it isn't exactly propulsive, one must be patient.
I think patience an interest in history and fashion or sewing crafts are helpful in reading this story.
Young Lucille Sutherland loved fashion and design her whole life, but when her womanizing husband leaves her with no resources she must use her love and talent to survive.
In many ways this is a story of survival and rising from the ashes, but it also a story of fashion and sumptuous materials, magnificent colors and the creative impulse. Many of Lucy's dresses were vividly described, but I still would have loved to have seen them in real life.
While there are exciting moments in this book, it isn't exactly propulsive, one must be patient.
I think patience an interest in history and fashion or sewing crafts are helpful in reading this story.
June 23, 2022
After Lucy's husband wastes their fortune on drinking and runs off with a showgirl, Lucy does the unthinkable to keep herself and her daughter Esme safe, she divorces from her husband. This is unheard of in polite society during Victorian Era London. Lucy has a plan to make money. She has always loved fashion and begins to design dresses. With the help of her one remaining staff, Celia, Lucy designs and makes a dress that is the envy of everyone. From there, Lucy begins taking orders. With Lucy's eye for color and cut on specific women and Celia's management skills, business takes off. Lucy meets Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon and finds love as well as a business party. Lucile Ltd is now successful and thriving with clients around the world and a second shop in New York. Lucy, Cosmo and Celia make their way to New York with new dresses on the Titanic. When the unthinkable happens, all three manage to escape with their lives. However, the aftermath of the escape and the trauma will affect them forever.
Lady Lucy Duff Gordon is known not only for her elegant fashion design, but for creating fashion shows and modernizing women's underwear. Despite this, most of what I knew about Lady Lucy was from the movie Titanic. While A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a fictional version of Lady Lucy's life, the author has done a lot of research and used Lady Lucy's memoir as well as her design books and a viewing of her fashion collection. I was in love with Lucy's character and temperament from the start as she decides that she will support herself and Esme after her husband leaves. Lucy's determination to fulfill her dream now that she is divorced is even more significant in Victorian society. There are absolutely wonderful descriptions of color and the process of how Lucy made her gowns and built her business from nothing. Her ideas for women's fashion were able to move women forward in society. As Lucy said, " I truly believe that what women choose to wear will dictate the sort of lives we lead in the decades to come." In addition to Lucy, the other female characters were also amazingly written. I was intrigued the most by Celia who began as an unpaid helper and rose to managing Lucile Ltd. I think it's a shame that we don't know more about the real Celia, although I would have loved more chapters from her point of view. Lucy's sister, Elinor Glyn is also a force in her own right and became a well-known romance author. The Duff-Gordon's experience on the Titanic seems to have been twisted and they were made to look like villains for not going back to rescue more people in their lifeboat. The survivor's guilt seems to have affected Lucy and Cosmo as well as their relationship. Overall, A Dress of Violet Taffeta is an amazing story of a self-made woman of history.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
Lady Lucy Duff Gordon is known not only for her elegant fashion design, but for creating fashion shows and modernizing women's underwear. Despite this, most of what I knew about Lady Lucy was from the movie Titanic. While A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a fictional version of Lady Lucy's life, the author has done a lot of research and used Lady Lucy's memoir as well as her design books and a viewing of her fashion collection. I was in love with Lucy's character and temperament from the start as she decides that she will support herself and Esme after her husband leaves. Lucy's determination to fulfill her dream now that she is divorced is even more significant in Victorian society. There are absolutely wonderful descriptions of color and the process of how Lucy made her gowns and built her business from nothing. Her ideas for women's fashion were able to move women forward in society. As Lucy said, " I truly believe that what women choose to wear will dictate the sort of lives we lead in the decades to come." In addition to Lucy, the other female characters were also amazingly written. I was intrigued the most by Celia who began as an unpaid helper and rose to managing Lucile Ltd. I think it's a shame that we don't know more about the real Celia, although I would have loved more chapters from her point of view. Lucy's sister, Elinor Glyn is also a force in her own right and became a well-known romance author. The Duff-Gordon's experience on the Titanic seems to have been twisted and they were made to look like villains for not going back to rescue more people in their lifeboat. The survivor's guilt seems to have affected Lucy and Cosmo as well as their relationship. Overall, A Dress of Violet Taffeta is an amazing story of a self-made woman of history.
This book was received for free in return for an honest review.
June 26, 2022
A Dress of Violet Taffeta is a historical novel based on the life or Lucy Duff Gordon. Lucy divorced her cruel husband in the late 1800's and needed to find a way to support herself and her young daughter Esme. She had a gift for design and slowly built a business as a fashion designer. Over the years her business expanded to a design house with a ballroom and models. She met a wonderful man, Cosmo Duff Gordon, and found personal happiness again ... before a fateful trip on the Titanic.
I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and enjoyed the Poppy Redfern mysteries by Tessa Arlen. I also am interested in the Titanic (and long ago ship travel in general), so that added to my interest.
This was a fascinating novel! I loved the glimpse of fashion design in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The descriptions of embroidery, beading, and especially colors, was so evocative -- I could picture the fashions described so vividly. It was also interesting how Lucy worked toward a more natural (and comfortable!) silhouette for women, away from the rigid corsets of the 1800's.
Lucy was a wonderful protagonist. She was strong and caring and looked out always for her daughter and mother. I enjoyed her relationship with her often outrageous sister, Elinor Glyn (who created the idea of the "It Girl"). I also liked the way Lucy treated her employees, including a close friendship with her shop assistant, and assuring good work conditions and a positive shop experience for all the other employees.
I also enjoyed the story of Lucy's slow moving romance with Cosmo. He was a unique man for the time in his loving support of his wife's career goals.
The Titanic story was vividly evoked, and the story of the lifeboat escape was harrowing -- especially as the survivors witnessed the devastation of the ship at such close range.
I found A Dress of Violet Taffeta fascinating, and recommend it for other fans of historical fiction. Readers with an interest in fashion history or the Titanic will especially enjoy it.
I wanted to read this novel because I love historical fiction and enjoyed the Poppy Redfern mysteries by Tessa Arlen. I also am interested in the Titanic (and long ago ship travel in general), so that added to my interest.
This was a fascinating novel! I loved the glimpse of fashion design in the late 1800's and early 1900's. The descriptions of embroidery, beading, and especially colors, was so evocative -- I could picture the fashions described so vividly. It was also interesting how Lucy worked toward a more natural (and comfortable!) silhouette for women, away from the rigid corsets of the 1800's.
Lucy was a wonderful protagonist. She was strong and caring and looked out always for her daughter and mother. I enjoyed her relationship with her often outrageous sister, Elinor Glyn (who created the idea of the "It Girl"). I also liked the way Lucy treated her employees, including a close friendship with her shop assistant, and assuring good work conditions and a positive shop experience for all the other employees.
I also enjoyed the story of Lucy's slow moving romance with Cosmo. He was a unique man for the time in his loving support of his wife's career goals.
The Titanic story was vividly evoked, and the story of the lifeboat escape was harrowing -- especially as the survivors witnessed the devastation of the ship at such close range.
I found A Dress of Violet Taffeta fascinating, and recommend it for other fans of historical fiction. Readers with an interest in fashion history or the Titanic will especially enjoy it.
June 27, 2022
This novel is about the Belle Epoque icon Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon who was a talented clothing designer in late 1800s England. Forced to find a way to take care of her daughter and her mother after she divorces her husband who was a ne'er do well. Unfaithful and an alcoholic. Married life with him was not what she hoped it would be. Divorce was frowned upon back then but it didn't matter to her.
She loved making dresses for her dolls as a child and thought to pursue that talent that she had. She became well known for her designs, particularly her tea gowns, and evening wear, and went on to design lingerie which was considered to be risque for some. She also was credited for training her professional models and having the 'catwalk'. Her clients were among the wealthiest in England and America. She also dressed actresses and dancers including Ziegfield Follies. Her company, Lucile Ltd, was one of the elite fashion houses and flourished from the turn of the century to the 1920s.
She was the sister of Elinor Glyn who was a novelist and scriptwriter, very famous in her own right. Lucy married Sir Cosmos Duff-Gordon. They traveled quite a bit and were passengers on the fateful day the Titanic sunk. They survived but later were questioned in the inquiry in Britain. He was accused of paying bribes to get on a lifeboat which was not true as he wanted to help out the seven crew members that shared the lifeboat with him and his wife. He gave them each some money so they could replace what they lost. He was eventually exonerated but was depressed for the rest of his life because of it.
I really enjoyed this book, I love stories about strong women, especially women from this time period. Written with superb research, I think that the author definitely did Lucy justice.
I received a cop of the book for review purposes only.
She loved making dresses for her dolls as a child and thought to pursue that talent that she had. She became well known for her designs, particularly her tea gowns, and evening wear, and went on to design lingerie which was considered to be risque for some. She also was credited for training her professional models and having the 'catwalk'. Her clients were among the wealthiest in England and America. She also dressed actresses and dancers including Ziegfield Follies. Her company, Lucile Ltd, was one of the elite fashion houses and flourished from the turn of the century to the 1920s.
She was the sister of Elinor Glyn who was a novelist and scriptwriter, very famous in her own right. Lucy married Sir Cosmos Duff-Gordon. They traveled quite a bit and were passengers on the fateful day the Titanic sunk. They survived but later were questioned in the inquiry in Britain. He was accused of paying bribes to get on a lifeboat which was not true as he wanted to help out the seven crew members that shared the lifeboat with him and his wife. He gave them each some money so they could replace what they lost. He was eventually exonerated but was depressed for the rest of his life because of it.
I really enjoyed this book, I love stories about strong women, especially women from this time period. Written with superb research, I think that the author definitely did Lucy justice.
I received a cop of the book for review purposes only.
September 12, 2024
Loved it! I will look into more about this designer extraordinaire and her magnificent assistant and manager Cecily
October 7, 2024
This book gave beautiful descriptions to the beginning of Lady Lucy's couture line of clothing. She certainly was an inspiring woman for her time. After divorcing her husband, she built her business from nothing in order to support herself, her daughter (and her mother) in the lifestyle they were accustomed to living (one of privilege).
About halfway through reading I became somewhat disinterested (I had distractions) so when the audiobook became available I finished the story. I'm glad I did return to this book because my opinion of Lady Lucy and other characters changed by the end.
About halfway through reading I became somewhat disinterested (I had distractions) so when the audiobook became available I finished the story. I'm glad I did return to this book because my opinion of Lady Lucy and other characters changed by the end.
July 30, 2022
After divorcing her husband, Lucy Sutherland needs a way to support herself and her young daughter, causing her to turn to fashion design. Under the name of Lucile, she designed popular gowns for the British upper class and even led a new trend in underwear. Lucy also attracted the attentions of Sir Cosmo Duff Gordon, who became her second husband. As a couple, they sailed on the ill-fated Titanic, which left them both with a legacy beyond fashion. This novel made for a compelling and interesting read, especially the scenes toward the end, on Titanic's lifeboats. Still, I appreciated that this novel was about more than just the Titanic, giving me a fuller sense of the life of Lucy, Lady Duff Gordon.
February 14, 2023
Perhaps a little slow but this book was very enjoyable as we follow Lucy from novice designer to one of the most sought after couturiers!
I loved the descriptions of the clothes, and the scenes involving the Titanic were heart-wrenching.
I loved the descriptions of the clothes, and the scenes involving the Titanic were heart-wrenching.
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