Ada NETTLESHIP (British, 1856 – 1932)

Adaline Cort NETTLESHIP (née HINTON) was a British dressmaker and costume designer known for working at the forefront of the Aesthetic dress style and the rational dress movement. Her workshop was situated Wigmore Street, London, and was first accentuated on embroidery. Mrs. Nettleship was known for the extreme intricacy of her costumes, Notable clients included the soprano Marie TEMPEST, and the actors Ellen TERRY, Winifred EMERY, Sarah BERNHARDT, and Mrs Patrick CAMPBELL, and members of European Royal families. In 1884, she made Constance LLOYD's wedding dress for her marriage to Oscar WILDE. She made other dresses for LLOYD as well that helped to set the new Aestheticist fashion for looser, more flowing garments with theatrical touches such as lace, embroidery, or brocade. One of NETTLESHIP's most well-known works is a theatrical costume made for Ellen TERRY in 1888 when she was playing the role of Lady Macbeth, portrayed by John Singer SARGENT.