Toile Around the House

A recent peek into the forgotten top shelf of my closet reminded me that I own a much loved and worn handbag that's hand embroidered. A closer look at this bag shows that the embroidery has 18th century connections...

French Knots

Satin Stitches

...which got me thinking, "What else around my house has influences from the 18th century?"

I'm not talking about reproductions or treasures found when antiquing, I'm thinking about modern items that show an influence from those who lived in the 18th century.

As a former Yves Delorme employee, I know that the designer responsible for the traditional look behind their linens annually visits the gardens at Versailles for inspiration. And my Marie Antoinette-inspired toile bedding reflects that.

I then remembered that I have toile PJ bottoms.

While a closer inspection shows that the toile is very colonial revival...

Note the voluptuous woman on the right and the covered wagon.

...I'll cut Abercrombie & Fitch some slack. My daughter's Christmas dress...

...has faux growth pleats on the sleeves and skirt. The pleats are not unlike the appearance of the pleats in the painting below.

Child With Dog, 1770-1790

Colonial Williamsburg, Accession Number 1931.100.2

A full-length portrait of a child in a sheer white dress with a red underskirt showing through it, the sheer skirt having two tucks above the hem.

Watching Caillou on PBS Sprout...

 ...I'm convinced that Caillou's grandpop's shoes...

...are actually Burnley & Trowbridge's red lady's 18th century walking shoes.

But best of all, a visit to my kitchen reminded of the Fortnum & Mason tea--a company founded in 1707--that sits in my pantry.

Are there any influences of the 18th century "toile" around your house?