Gowns From and Inspired By
Pre-Raphaelite Art
'Accolade'
This gorgeous Mediaeval gown is from an Edmund Blair Leighton painting, 'The Accolade". The neck is a delicate scoop, set off with a striking deep 'V' of gold trim. The gown itself is princess-seamed, to provide that flattering Mediaeval figure. There are two sets of sleeves: long dagged oversleeves, and tightly-fitted undersleeves of the same fabric. Both are edged in wide gold trim. The oversleeves are bound above the elbow with narrow gold gauntlets, creating a "puffed" look that is quite pretty.
The skirt of the dress is very full, and has a wide border of gold embroideries around the bottom. This effect is created by the use of cream silk overlaid with gold-embroidered organza. The gown is also available without this overlay for the budget-minded.
Price for an average (size 12) gown (plus sizes will be more expensive):
In cream dupioni, with gold-embroidered organza overlay: $650
In cream satin, with organza overlay: $500
Solid satin, no overlay or embroideries: $300
Solid dupioni, no overlay or embroideries: $375
'Merry Harvest'
This gown is also from a Waterhouse painting, 'The Flower Picker'.
It is more in a Renaissance style than a Mediaeval, with an ankle length white chemise beneath the fitted dress. The princess-seamed blue dress is sleeveless, with two sets of bracers in the same fabric. The gown and bracers are made from buttery-soft doe suede, to drape and hang beautifully. The gown has a hidden back zipper, so my lady can get in and out of it without the aid of handmaidens. The chemise beneath can be made of fine, extra-soft cotton batiste, or in white cotton broadcloth for the budget-minded. It features full sleeves to puff out between the bracers, and a delicate scoop neck that just peeks above the blue overdress.
Price for an average (size 12) gown (plus sizes will be more expensive):
Gown, bracers, and chemise in batiste: $310
Gown, bracers, and chemise in broadcloth: $215
'Destiny'
This gown is yet another from a J.W. Waterhouse painting.
'Destiny' is one of the simplest gowns I offer. It is a straightforward Mediaeval bliaut with an ankle length white chemise beneath the fitted dress. The dress itself is deep red silk, with tight sleeves and a delicate scoop neck. The fabric of choice for 'Destiny' is silk dupioni, for its magnificent sheen and texture, but I also offer a less-expensive version in silk essence, which is not as rich-looking but is more affordable.
The short-sleeved chemise beneath can be made of fine, extra-soft cotton batiste, or in white cotton broadcloth for the budget-minded. Also included is a sash of navy blue silk.
Price for an average (size 12) gown (plus sizes will be more expensive):
Gown in silk dupioni, and chemise in batiste: $320
Gown in silk essence, and chemise in broadcloth: $200
'Miranda'
This gown is from a John William Waterhouse painting, 'Miranda' (based on Shakespeare's heroine from The Tempest).
The beauty of this gown is not in ornamentation but its cut and choice of fabric: I use fine silk dupioni for its sheen and texture. The gown is actually two separate layers: an underdress of cranberry silk, and an overdress of navy silk. Both layers are princess-seamed for a flattering fit and full, swishing skirts. The overdress has a deep v-neck, allowing the delicate scoop-neck of the underdress to peek through for interest. And, as they are separate dresses, you can wear them separately as well as together. You get two gowns for the price of one!
The overdress has short "angel" sleeves, and the underdress tightly-fitted straight sleeves.
Price for an average (size 12) gown (plus sizes will be more expensive):
Set of two dresses, in navy blue and cranberry silk dupioni: $400
'Adieu'
This is another Mediaeval gown, with a scoop neck and princess seams to fit and flatter m'lady's figure. The sleeves are fitted tightly to the elbows, then flow into dagged sleeves. There are undersleeves of a contrasting material, matching the sleeve lining. The standard fabric choice for this dress is satin or silk jacquard, but solid satin or silk may be substituted. Colour is not fixed - you may choose your own colour combination (there are two primary contrast fabrics in this gown).
Price for an average (size 12) gown (plus sizes will be more expensive):
Satin jacquard: $400
Silk jacquard: $500
Solid satin: $300
Solid silk: $375