Renaissance Nobles

An example of an ornate style, including several varieties of metallic lace and gimp, based on heavy brocade and iridescent satin.  The fully-lined bodice laces up the back and the overskirt hooks in front beneath the point of the bodice, which is worn over a Renaissance-style corset. The center panel of the bodice is machine-quilted over felt and hand-beaded. The sleeves are "Queen’s Sleeves", slashed with puffing sewn into each slash, stuffed at the shoulders for fullness, and fully lined with cotton. They tie onto the bodice with velvet ribbons finished with aiglets, or points, and button at the wrist. The underskirt is a separate garment, of which only the front panel is seen and ornamented with quilting, beading and scalloped velvet trim.  The gown is worn over a hoopskirt or farthingale.  A bum roll can be supplied as well if desired.  The matching hat has a wired brim to permit shaping.

The design of the gown is typical of the English Elizabethan era, 1550-1580, though the color combinations and materials used are more modern.  A more authentic version might be made of cotton velvet and upholstery brocade in creamy white, dark greens, wine tones, deep blue or black. The gown as shown would run approximately $3700-$3900 plus materials.  A "stripped" version, without the quilting, beading, lace, and trim, would run about $2800-$3000 with Queen’s Sleeves.   The matching hat is $150.  Several different sleeve styles and underskirt treatments are available, and the bodice can be made with or without epaulets, shoulder rolls, and tabs. Although the bodice does require a corset, unlike genuine Elizabethan clothing, I design it to flatter and fit each lady’s figure, rather than creating a long cylinder into which a body must be stuffed.  I can do "authentic" versions for those who are very slender or simply prefer authenticity over appearance.  Other styles available as well, including cloaks, overdresses, and men’s doublets and slops.