1480’s Gown

Reproduction of a late 1400’s woman’s costume, based primarily on Domenico Ghirlandaio’s paintings of Giovanna Tornabuoni circa1488. Made for an advanced draping/patterning class, for the theoretical purpose of use in a theatrical period piece. I did not ultimately have time to make the surcote (sleeveless outer-most dress) during the course of this class.

The bodice is structured with steel boning in order to support the performer and achieve a consistent silhouette, though in reality there was no type of corsetry in this period.

For the sleeves, I wanted to have the experience of making real slashing and puffing, so I made a sort of cropped under-sleeve to puff out through the slashed over-sleeve (cropped to conserve fabric).

My favorite part of this process (after draping which is probably my #1) was the cartridge pleating. I had never done cartridge pleats before; it was very enjoyable and wasn’t nearly as time consuming as I had expected.