In need of suggestions!
A friend of mine, who is a costume designer (we are both college theatre majors) has asked to make a Tudor style gown for me since she knows how much I love the Tudors.
In order to help her, I have decided to buy a french hood that she can use as a concept for the dress' color and accessories/ornamentations.
Does anyone know of any websites/stores where one can buy accurate/quality french hoods? (style Anne Boleyn/younger Elizabeth wore) Or websites that sell particulary good Tudor clothing?
Thank you!
7 comments:
Try Etsy.com. They usually have a good selection of Tudor stuff, although I'm not sure how accurate all of it is, I know there are a few french hoods.
You could try The Anne Boleyn Files or Etsy plus Ebay.These online retailers sell french hoods.Etsy also has a gable hood.The Anne Boleyn Files sells one Tudor dress but is planning to add more mid-march.The costumes will be replications from the Tudors series.
A fun project to be sure. The key to creating an authentic Tudor gown is the underpinnings.
Here are some links you and your friend might want to look through.
http://www.verymerryseamstress.com/catalog.htm
http://www.costumegallery.com/research.htm
http://www.elizabethfiles.com/products-page/tudor-and-elizabethan-costume/
And this portal site
http://www.elizabethancostume.net/
The last site is not really a portal - more of a tutorial. Sorry about that.
There's a difference between a Tudor style gown and an historical replication of a Tudor gown. Which do you want your friend to make?
I will tell you that if you are making an historical reproduction, i.e. you will be making a corset, consider putting shoulder straps on the corset to take some of the weight from your hips. I don't have personal experience of this but read about it.
The strapless corsets put the whole weight on the hips. Even if you are using a modern lightweight boning material this will become an issue after a few hours of wearing.
If you are making a Tudor style gown, this will not be an issue. You can google Tudor Wedding Gowns for some lovely options for Tudor style gowns.
Please keep us posted on your progress.
Just as some fun research, check out the website of the outdoor drama, The Lost Colony, in Manteo, NC. www.thelostcolony.org. The show takes place later in Elizabeth's reign, during the time of Raleigh's Roanoke voyages, so a bit later than what you're looking for, but they are incredible. They're designed by William Ivey Long (5 Tony Awards for B'way costumes). The attention to detail is spot on and you're right, kb...it's all about the underpinnings. Remember, these clothes were designed for the stage, so some patterns and silloutes are exagerated, but they're worth viewing. Enjoy!
Thank you all for your helpful hints! I have visited the sites and picked some very worthy options! Below are my two favorites so far :)
Anne Boleyn Cream Velvet French Hood
http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/products-page/french-hoods/
Lady Amelia Cream Pearl French Hood
http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/products-page/french-hoods/
kb- So that I can put on the dress myself, I have asked her to make it look as historically accurate as possible, but keep it functional. For example, she will make it "look" as if the sleeves of the dress are laced on and separate, however they will be attached.
As far as the corset goes, I think she got one out of our costume stock and it does indeed have straps on it! She has fitted it to me a few times and I believe she mentioned that she was going to put boning in the bodice of the dress.
I will definitely keep you posted!
Roanoke- Thank you for the suggestion. They are BEAUTIFUL costumes!! I agree, the attention to detail was spot on AND magnificent.
Prior Attire is a very good costumier who frequently makes outfits for historical interpreters. She will be at the International Living History Fayre, or you can contact her through her website. Her outfits are clothes and as close to reproductions as the sources allow, not costume. I am having a whole outfit made by her, from the kirtle and petticote through to gown and hood.
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