Bigger
and Better Venetian Dress
The Shell Dress
This next Venetian gown was made for Lochac's elevation to kingdom status. The shell dress was begun several months before the event and took me most of that time to complete. The shell tabs at the waist and the arms took approximately four hours each to make. Each one was individually shaped so that it had a slightly different angle depending on where it was to be placed. Each was lined and then stuffed with a light layer of padding then the ribs of the shell were couched down. When completed they were stitched into the assembled gown.
The sleeves are fairly straightforward. The strap effect at the top of the sleeves always looks nice and allows the chemise to show through. The accent of the shells on the arms and small tabs at the wrist helped in making this dress unique.
The bodice is made the same way as my Pink Venetian frock, and the skirts were also made in the same manner also. for a better idea of how these all come together have a look at my dress diary.
10 metres of 142 cm wide fabric went into this dress. The burgundy fabric I bought for the colour mostly. The fibre content I am not completely sure of, but it has a nice drape to it.
The
Partlet on the burgundy I made out of gold metallic organza.
I wanted a luscious, rich effect. From
the descriptions I have of some cloth of gold that was wonderfully fine, this
seemed to fit the bill. A small
gold ruff at the neck finished it off nicely. The ruff was made from surplus Christmas ribbon and looks
like it was meant to be part of this extraordinary gown.
These photos taken a the Politarchopalis Portrait Extravaganza 07 Sep 03
The lacing is done in a fancy cord. Burgundy and gold cord was used to continue the colour theme from the rest of the frock. When the finished dress worn it is accessorised with a girdle, brooches, necklaces, earrings, rings, fans and hair accessories also, to complete the look.
This is undoubtedly a court gown, with its long train making it is impossible to miss when you see them being worn. There is something very special about having a train on a dress for us today. You become more aware of your wake and how you move. This is not a dress for an introvert.
When made the shell dress for the elevation of Lochac to Kingdom I intended to wear it with my Turkish Coat. Finally this is how it should have looked.
Putting
Yourself In The Picture
All
intellectual content, composition, layout, designs and photographs, unless
otherwise noted are copyright 2007 to Deborah
Lane ©,
or, copyright 2003 to Deborah Murray
©
also known as Mistress Oonagh O'Neill ©.
All Original renaissance art works and artefacts are not copyright to Deborah
Murray, and are shown for educational use only . If you see something
you'd really like to use, please contact
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