I’ve gotten quite a long way on my 1660’s dress, and the base of the bodice is nearing completion. Time for a blog post about the interior, as it’s quite interesting on it’s…

Portrait of a Lady, Gabriel Metsu, 1667

Portrait présumé de Madame de Harlay, tenant une guirlande de fleurs, 1690

The Idea and Inspiration: To make a a 1660s gown for the celebrated 17th c French beauty, arts patron, and sometimes nun, sometimes courtesan, Ninon de l’Enclos. And it had to be out of golden yellow duchesse silk satin. As there are no images of Ninon that were made in her own life, my design is based on a 1670s portrait of Élisabeth d’Orleans, with further inspiration from Bartholomeus van der Helst’s 1660-61 portrait of a couple, the 1660’s Bath dress, and a 1660’s bodice (in yellow duchess satin!) from a German collection. In order to really experience the work of a 17th century seamstress, the ensemble is entirely handsewn except for the boning channels on the bodice support (sorry, done that once, never doing it again). As much as possible I have researched and used 17th century stitches and garment construction. Inspiration Gallery Élisabeth d’Orleans, Beaubrun, 1670 Couple, 1660-61, van der Helst Bodice, probably German, 1660s Dress, 1660s, Museum of Fashion Mary, 1652, van der Helst Fredrick & Louise, van Honhurst, 1650 …

I now have photos for my 1660s Cavalier dress from official Costume College photographer Andrew Schmidt, as well as a great group photo of the rest of my Cavalier ladies! You can see my previous po…

We all know how the English love their tea. It’s the ultimate stereotype; an English person sat clutching their precious cup of tea, probably a biscuit […]

James Hamilton, 1st Duke of Hamilton, 1606 - 1649. Royalist

HALS, Frans Isabella Coymans 1650-52 Oil on canvas, 116 x 86 cm Private collection

Portrait of a lady by Luigi Miradori (1600- c. 1656)

17th century clothing. Baroque fashion era.

Portrait of Countess Louise Henriette of Nassau , painting by Willem van Honthorst . Aquisgrana, Suermondt Ludwig Museum

While I’m finishing up accessories for my Napoleonic project, let’s talk about the 17th century! I’m interested in 1660s and 1670s baroque fashion, which broadly speaking consists…