Madonna Lucia Ilaria Malatesta

I was completely enchanted when I first saw pictures of Lucia's new gown and totally fooled into thinking that her cotton print was actually gold brocade! It just goes to show you that unusual materials can look quite authentic when used in the right way, especially when in the hand of such a creative and knowledgeable costumer! Lucia's comments about this ensemble can be found below her picture, and you can also email her at lamiastrix(at)earthlink.net with any comments or questions.

This gown is 2 things I generally try to avoid, cotton and a print. However, the print is metallic gold stamped work, which I am advised was possible by the mid to late 1500s, which is the era I chose for this gown. The pattern is small but is a nice Ren pattern. The sleeves are actually a bit earlier and are cotton velveteen lined with the same fabric as the gown. The chemise has the open big sleeves which I've then gathered into a cuff at the sleeve of the gown. The trim on the sleeves and neckline is a metallic gold braid, though "braid" isn't quite the right name for the pattern, perhaps more like laid work? Underneath are modern petticoats and a black underskirt, though it doesn't show at all. This was my first experiment with side lacing (though you can't see it in the pics) and I think I like how backlacing looks as far as affecting the line of the bodice better. I may try it again tho and see if I can improve my technique. The bodice is lined with a light canvas fabric. Also, I've taped my hair, though left perhaps a bit more of it down than was "modest" for a married woman. I've added jewels to my hair, which are actually clip earrings and pearl headed hairpins. I did this dress for a summer gown as it's so light and cool and I got the fabric for a song at a JoAnns after Christmas sale.