Pre-Raphaelite / Medieval gown

(inspired by the painting "The Accolade")

This gown of  heavy brocade and hammered satin is designed on simple Princess lines with a short train, typical of late 15th-century kirtles. The full, 16th-century sleeves are edged in crushed velvet leaf-shaped dags, double-sided and embroidered in metallic gold; the sleeves themselves are lined in satin and puffed at the shoulder. Within them are tightly-fitted lower sleeves of pale green glossy silk that cover the backs of the hands and come to a point trimmed in metallic gimp.  A velvet leaf-shape ornaments the neckline. Crushed velvet also trims the hem, the bodice and the front seams. The double layer of silk draping attaches to the shoulders and back with tiny loops and gold rose buttons. The gown is worn over a crinoline. The crown is made of gold brocade with wire bones, spray-painted, and surrounded by intertwined twists of velvet and silk, also wired.  It is held on by means of a sewn-in comb and ribbons tied beneath the hair.  The organza veil is sewn in and trimmed in metallic braid. The gown as shown costs $3200 – $3400 plus materials.  A plainer version, without the silk drapings and without leaf trim, would run $2500-$2700.  The crown is $150 as described.  Other sleeve styles are available as well.