Kimberly Stockton

As I'm sure you can guess from this majestic gown, Kimberly is better known at the Tennessee and Louisiana Renaissance festivals as Queen Elizabeth I. I've seen many beautiful Elizabethan court gowns over the years, but this one is at the top of the list for its "WOW" factor! I love it that Kimberly went all out with her french farthingale and huge standing ruff, and I also think she did a great job of creating the right look with her hair and accessories. The whole thing combines to make a really spectacular outfit, and her attention to historical accuracy is impressive as well. Here is one more close-up picture where you can see more details of the dress, and you can also read a little more about the materials and construction below this picture. If you would like to contact Kimberly, you can find her at SyRilla27(at)yahoo(dot)com.

This gown is made from white cotton velvet, with brocade guards.  There are 3+ layers of trim on top of the brocade.  The gown and most everything else is of my own pattern. The bodice is in the French style with a front opening, and the skirt is over a French like farthingale. (the platter and supporting bumrolls have been made into one item with ribs instead of stuffing.  The skirt is cartridge pleated to the bodice.  The whole outfit weighs 30+ pounds.  The corset is linen and cotton with straw as the boning.  Many of those pounds are from the beaded underskirt and sleeves.  I had to change from glass pearls to plastic as the weight started to drag and distort the skirt (and kill my back).  Leather and fabric Gloves, white small neck ruff, and sword pin were gifts.   The large white ruff is made of a web thin, embroidered silk with horse hair (plastic, uck) to save it from the high humidity droops.  There is a metal supportesse that ties center back and under the arms.  As with everything, the gown is a work in progress.