One can imagine the Marchesa Brigida Spinola Doria held a secret behind her lively expression. Peter Paul Rubens painted her in 1606 when he, a keen student of the Italian masters, was 28. She was…
Did people actually wear collars like this, or was it a special accessory to wear while sitting for a portrait? Minnesotastan got curious and researched Elizabethan ruffs. They served a purpose: keeping "ring around the collar" away from the shirt. In the 17th century, the upper classes even had special appliances to iron them. The ruffs were starched, dyed, and propped up before they fell out of fashion. Get the whole story and additional links at TYWKIWDBI. Link...
Although we may now think of wedding dresses and lingerie when we think of lace, in the 17th century lace was not associated with either. And yet the 17th century was one of the heydays of lace. La…
Elisabeth de France (1602-1644), reine d'Espagne Auteur : Anonyme Ecole : Ecole française rmn
Coifs and Hair All adult women below gentry level wore some sort of hair covering. There are very few illustrations of mid-17th century British coifs available; even fewer extant examples, all of w…
This is my last batch of 17th century pictures. I hope you'll enjoy them! I like the "buttons" that alternate down the front. A very long-haired lady- don't you think it looks like the clasp on the shoulder also pins the hair to it? If you enlarge you can see that the bodice actually have seams, even if it looks smooth at first. I don't think these sleeves reflect the current fashion, but it's pretty nevertheless. I'm not sure that I like this gown, but I think it's a nice contrast with the black bows. Is her collar drool-worthy, or what? It may look like another boring old black dress, but enlarge it and enjoy the details like the seams on the bodice and the skirt that has first been pleated in small pleats and then big ones.
Unknown English artist, Girl in grey dress with lace collar (16th-17th century)
World4 Costume Culture History
This necklace was inspired by this 1620-1630 portrait of Anne of Austria by an unknown artist: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Dumonstier_Anne_of_Austria.jpg The striking combination of big pearls and bright, bold coral teardrops is beautiful! My version is made with 10mm Shell Pearls, small faceted glass beads in a Coral red color. Small gold-plated beads add luxury and contrast to the red beads. The total length is 16" with a 3" extension chain. See more Renaissance-Era jewelry here: https://www.damesalamode.com/collections/all/renaissance
Although we may now think of wedding dresses and lingerie when we think of lace, in the 17th century lace was not associated with either. And yet the 17th century was one of the heydays of lace. La…
Historical costuming
Christie’s presents J.E. Safra’s cherished pictures, from the Dutch Golden Age to the Romantic era
17th Century Fashion is a large subject to cover. From the key pieces of the century, to our own forte - the jewellery - join us to explore 1600s fashion.
I’ve been having trouble announcing the HSF challenges in a logical way, and keeping up with inspiration posts for the upcoming challenges. Solutions? Do them together as one announcement post at the 8 challenges ahead mark! Here then is the HSF Challenge #13: Lace and Lacings, due 1 July 2013 (NZ time). Lacing is one of the simplest and oldest forms of fastening a garment, eminently practical, and occasionally decorative. Lace has been one of the most valuable and desirable textiles for centuries, legislated, coveted, at times worth more than its weight in gold, passed down from one garment to the next over centuries. Elaborate and delicate it is eminently decorative, and rarely practical. Celebrate the practicality of lacing, and the decorative frivolity of lace, with a garment that laces or has lace trim, or both. Here are some ideas to get you inspired:
Christie’s July 3 Old Master evening sale contains some wonderful still lifes (including three by Adriaen Coorte), a Rembrandt portrait of a rather foppish fellow (plus intriguing portraits b…
This gown or overgown was worn as the outer most piece of full body clothing in the 1540’s to 1560’s by working class Flemish women in Antwerp, the largest city of Flanders at the time. This first …
There are few women in this world who can resist the charm of flowers. Flowers have always been a symbol of beauty, and women, irrespective of age or origin are enraptured by their very presence. As you know, I'm constantly instagramming the latest peony in bloom. It's difficult to verbalise why I find so much joy in gazing at pretty blossoms - but I don't think I'm alone in that!
As this was one of my first costuming books, I must admit I’m a bit biased to this book. I bought it about 6 years ago when I first started to get interested in historical costumes. And since…
Historical costuming
In anticipation of our next issue, which is all about lace, we look back to Selvedge issue 58, at the evolution of lace in the 17th century... Until the 19th century, handmade lace could not be faked; this fact alone made lace the ultimate social signifier in fashionable dress. Between the 16th and 18th centuries, bobb
