A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA - Tessa Arlen
Berkley
ISBN: 9780593436851
July 5, 2022
Historical Fiction

England - 1893

Lucy Wallace is finally free of her husband, James. True, he left her, but after struggling with financial woes, and his many indiscretions, Lucy is more relieved than grief-stricken. Now, she must find a way to support herself, her daughter, and her mother. But Lucy also feels that she can finally do something that she's loved to do since she was a child. Designing and sewing lovely dresses and gowns is a talent Lucy knows she can use to move forward. First, however, she must convince London Society that her designs are unique. 

After James left, Lucy dismissed most of her servants, but kept a young kitchen maid who seemed ready to help. Celia Franklin was instrumental in finding seamstresses for Lucy's new business. Using a beautiful, violet colored taffeta gown that she designed as an example of her work, Lucy rapidly began to acquire well-off clients who appreciated her eye to design clothing that fit a woman's coloring, as well as demeanor. Eventually, Lucy's business burgeoned as the ladies of Society wore her designs and passed on her name to all who inquired.

As her fame grew, Lucy took on more work, and eventually remarried. Cosmo Duff-Gordon understood his new wife's talent, and the couple made a potent team. Celia remained as Lucy's right hand, and soon there was an expansion to other cities around the world.

A DRESS OF VIOLET TAFFETA is the well-researched true story of Lady Duff-Gordon who set the fashion world on fire in the late eighteenth century, and well into the nineteenth. Rather than give away much more of her story, I will, instead, recommend that readers pick up this excellent, well-written book, and find a cozy place to read. 

Jani Brooks