1775 Lolotte Forssberg – 18th-Century French Striped Cotton, Robe à la Française Inspired (c. 1775–1785)

Product Description

This elegant striped floral cotton is inspired by a French Robe à la française dated 1775–1785. The original gown and petticoat were block-printed on plain-weave cotton and finished with a light glaze, giving the fabric both clarity and subtle luminosity.

Alternating vertical stripes in soft blue and warm ochre create a graceful rhythm, punctuated by delicate floral bouquets in red, ivory, and pale blue. The vertical structure elongates the silhouette, while the scattered floral motifs soften the composition—an ideal balance typical of late Rococo textile design.

This type of striped cotton was particularly suited to the dramatic pleating and expansive skirts of the Robe à la française, where the stripes enhanced the architectural back pleats and flowing train.

The pattern translates beautifully into historically accurate reconstructions, theatrical costume, and statement 18th-century garments.

Ideal for:

• Robe à la française (1770s–1780s)
• Striped 18th-century gowns and petticoats
• Historic costume and museum-quality reproductions
• Decorative panels, bed hangings, and canopy drapery

Historical Inspiration

The original dress and petticoat were made in France between 1775 and 1785 from block-printed and lightly glazed cotton plain weave. The ensemble reflects the late Rococo taste for structured elegance combined with floral ornamentation.

Original garment: Woman’s Dress and Petticoat (Robe à la française)
Origin: France
Date: 1775–1785
Material: Cotton plain weave, block printed and glazed
Department: Costume and Textiles

The gown’s generous back length (over 160 cm) and vertically aligned stripes demonstrate how printed cotton could emulate the grandeur of silk while offering lighter wear and greater versatility.

The chosen name for this design is 1775 Lolotte Forssberg.

Fredrika Charlotta “Lolotte” Forssberg (born 1766) was a Swedish court lady surrounded by intrigue and royal speculation. She was officially presented as the secret legitimate daughter of King Adolf Fredrik and Queen Lovisa Ulrika, though historians generally believe she was the illegitimate daughter of Adolf Fredrik and Ulrica Elisabeth von Liewen.

Lolotte became one of the most talked-about figures of her time when Princess Sofia Albertina publicly attempted to have her recognised as her legitimate sister—a claim that created considerable scandal within the Swedish court.

Her life reflects the political sensitivities and social complexities of late 18th-century aristocratic Europe, where lineage, legitimacy, and public reputation were inseparably intertwined.