In June 2012 Little Doves received a telephone call from a lovely lady who requested three identical Victorian christening gowns. No, the lady was not the proud mother of triplets but was in fact from the costume department of the BBC and was sourcing authentic christening gowns for their latest costume drama The Paradise. Set in Durham in the 1870s' The Paradise is an intoxicating love story set in England's first department store.For Episode three, the BBC were looking for the complete collection of christening wear. They commisioned a gown, cape, shawl, petticoat, booties, socks and bonnet. And, we had to make three sets in ten days!!
Well, needle in hand and burning the midnight oil we set to, to create the collection. And, it was well worth it. The costume department, on receiving the parcel, informed me that they could not believe what they were taking out of the box. They said everything was beautiful and beyond what they imagined.
The Paradise Christening Gown is now available for purchase. Created from an authentic Victorian pattern the gown is full of flair and flounce as expected from "The Paradise". The front panel is lavish and full of pintucks, lace and either blue or pink ribbon and rosebuds. The bonnet and booties compliment the design. Further details on this exclusive christening gown are available on The Paradise Gown page of www.littledoves.co.uk.