This is a custom-made Venetian courtesan gown commission for Lady Léa de Villaverde, first worn at the SCA West Kingdom 12th Night, January 2015.
Materials were provided by my client. She wanted a late 16th-century Venetian gown in the classic “courtesan” style with the ladder-laced front, made of a rich damask from her fabric stash. She suggested black velvet ribbon trim, and I suggested adding gold lace on both the gown and the partlet. The gown was inspired by several period portraits Léa liked, and I draped the bodice on her, using what I knew from having made previous gowns what I learned from Maestra Tullia Serafina da Ferrara (aka Sarah Lorraine).
I also made her a camicia to wear underneath the gown and a silk partlet with a ruffled collar, hand-trimmed in more lace. Otherwise, she provided all the perfect accessories.
It’s so beautiful! You both look smashing! Well done!
Exquisite!!! I envy your talent. I know your skills have developed over many years of sewing, and yet you manage to make it seem like a most natural skill. Beautiful!!!
Lovely work!