The Ducrow Gown is a three piece handmade gothic wedding gown of bodice, skirt and overskirt. Many of the informal wedding dresses inspired by the legendary figures of the past. Likewise with this beautiful gown which inspired by Andrew Ducrow (1793–1842) who was a British circus performer; often called the "Father of British circus equestrianism" and "the Colossus of equestrians" Andrew Ducrow was the originator of horsemanship acts and proprietor of the Astley’s Amphitheatre. Ducrow was trained by his father who had immigrated to England from Belgium in 1793. The "Courier of St. Petersburg", his most famous act, was the forerunner to modern horse acts and is still performed today at equestrian events. 
He is most famous for being the proprietor of Astley’s Amphitheatre, where he was also the chief performer. Referred to by some as "the Chippendale's of his day", Ducrow and his sons would dress in "fleshings" (flesh coloured body stockings) and would perform physique poses posed as plastiques while standing upon the rumps of white stallions which could carry them round the amphitheater several times. This Victorian Gothic Gown would make a superb gothic wedding dress or belle of the ball.
The Ducrow bodice is victorian ball gown in steampunk style with a just on the shoulder wide neckline. Trimmed with two rows of crimped ruffling along the bottom and one row of crimped ruffling right around the neck. It is lined with polycotton, interlined with cotton twill and boned at the darts and seams. The bodice fastens with 9 decorative buttons. (Design of button may vary, but will be in keeping with the garment). The Ducrow bodice will fit over a bustle.
The Ducrow skirt is five gored and trained. It is very generously trimmed with a total of seven rows of crimped ruffling making for a very spectacular skirt which can easily be worn alone or with an overskirt. This skirt is designed to fit over a bustle.
The Ducrow overskirt has a front apron which is trimmed with two rows of crimped ruffling. The back is bustled and has two sashes which hang down from beneath the bustling. Fastens with hooks and eyes.
The handmade gothic wedding gown is designed by Michelle Artemis from victorian-gothic.co.uk with a bustle petticoat and extra accessories such as the Ducrow Pelerine, Ducrow Bag and Ducrow Veil. Victorian Gothic as an "informal wedding dresses designer" is to be featured in the book '1000 Steampunk Creations' publish date 1st July 2011. If you need more detail about the accessories for this Ducrow gown please visit Victorian Gothic website.
