Isabeau de l'Isle

Sometimes I think it's actually easier to make a costume with tons of beads, baubles, trims, and frills because people get distracted by all of the shiny bits and don't notice the real details of construction. But a simple gown like this one is so classy and elegant, and I love the way that the clean lines make it look so real. And wow... talk about amazing tailoring! Isabeau lives in kingdom of AEthelmearc, and has been making costumes for the past 13 years. You can read more about this lovely Venetian gown below the picture, and if you have any questions, you can email her at rlgage (at) adelphia (dot) net.

The gown I'm wearing is made from about 6 1/2 yards of 45" wide dark blue cotton velveteen which I bought on sale at Wal-Mart about two years ago. The bodice is back-laced and lined in blue silk dupioni. The sleeves are detachable and are also lined in blue silk dupioni. The skirt is made up of four rectangular panels cartridge-pleated to the finished bodice edge and, for comfort, is not lined. I'm also wearing a white camicia of 3.5 oz linen purchased from fabrics-store.com.

I've made up gowns from a variety of eras and regions, but find the Italian styles from the 15th and 16th centuries to be the most appealing. The inspiration for this gown is Giorgio Vasari's Pope Alexander III receiving the submission of the Emperor Frederick I circa 1560 and can be found on Bella's amazing site, Realm of Venus.