Independent Study Gown

I made this court gown outfit as part of an independent study in 2013 at the end of my first year at Knox College. I conducted extensive research on the dress of English noblewomen from the 1560s-1570s, and constructed pieces from the skin out with materials and techniques that were as historically accurate as I could afford (although they were by no means perfect). The outfit included a smock, pair of bodies (corset), Spanish farthingale, bumroll, partlet, petticoat, and gown. In the photos, I am also wearing a hat and caul made by my mom.

Documents and Links:

• Facebook photo album
• Blog posts with construction details and photos: 1, 2
• Underpinnings essay
• Gown bibliography (did not write a full paper for gown)
• Unpublished submission to Knox’s Catch Magazine
• Presentations of the project:
  • Final presentation for independent study
  • Horizons
  • Presentation of both independent studies