Welcome to Our Jacobean/Elizabethan Fashion Show

We just couldn't resist this revival of one of our classic gowns made for the late Queen Elizabeth I in 1580. The trademark curved seam running down the outside of the arm is styled to be worn under a long hanging sleeve.  We still feature this sleeve style with the fine braid decorating it on the outside as worn here. As always we pride ourselves on the many layers of fine fabrics and bright silks and the many folds which add a sculpted depth to our bodices and kirtles (petticoats).

Francis Cavendish, Lady Maynard, in 1615, shows off a brilliant collar and a rich,softly pleated flounce unsupported by a farthingale. Our flounces make the wearers the very flower of the gown itself. We can work wonders on unshapely bodies with "pairs of bodies," a corset which is stiffened with either the finest bents or whalebone. We can be flexible and can provide low square necklines or a loose gown over a waistless kirtle. Let us know.

Here comes Mrs. Ralph Sheldon from 1590 wearing one of our black silk damask gowns It features the ever-fashionable big sleeves. It can be either bombasted or born out over whalebones over a kirtle of light brown and pale grey silk woven in a pattern of acorns, roses and other flowers, with silver metal thread in the weft. The skirt is supported with a half roll and is caught up with a tuck at the front.

We end with another favorite from the immortal collection of our late Queen Elizabeth I from 1595. Still popular, these elegant gowns with carefully pleated flounces create even of the most ordinary woman an elegant flower.

This ends our most recent collection of elegant court creations. As you can see, despite the Scots now arriving at the court in ever greater numbers, the glory of our tradition continues.

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Our Farthingales are so strong you can rest your arm upon them. Hooks holding the fabric on are strong and may be moved as needed. Osiers or Whalebone Hoops are fixed externally with strong casings. We use a special scarf joint to hold the hoops together (shown). A Farthingale is a petticoat held out with stiff hoops, sometimes dramatically at right angles to the waist.

Arnold,Janet, Patterns of Fashion,The cut and construction of clothes for men and women c. 1550-1620, Drama Book, New York,1995.

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