Tudor/French gown and kirtle

A rare opportuity to snatch this showstopping set - fit for a Queen!

 Originally made and worn to represent Katherine of Aragon, this set will be suitable for any royal lady from about 1510 - 40s.

 No expense was spared while making it a few years ago - nowadays a new set like this will easily cost £5000-6000!

  Used a few times, but hardly any marks on it!

 YOu can see  more detail here

 Main features:

* Kirtle

*bodice interlined with 2 layers of linen buckram and boned with reed to provide support and the correct shape.  The kirtle is supposed to fit very snuggly, flattening the bosom and accentuating the waist. No bra is necessary!

*outer layer in silk satin ( some fading evident) with silk velvet edging

*back lacing, handworked eyelets

*handsewn finish - inside seams  by machine, couched down by hand

*  volumiunous skirts  in silk velvet,  interlined, with silk liningpleated to the bodice

* laces with a linen lace

* decoration with a real freshwater pearls and metallic braid

 * hem bound with a velvet guard

measurements -

chest, fully laced 36" (93cm)

waist 28"  (72cm)

It is designed to be worn either completely closed up, or with a gap -  would suit best natural measurements of waist 30-33'', chest 38-41'' Here shown on size 12

- skirt length  in front 43" (110cm)

 The gown

 * stunning  silk and gold metallic brocade from Sudbury Silk mmills, retailing at £280 per metre. Here 8metres  were used.

* the  voluminous skirts, with a train,  are interlined and lined with silk, the back cartridge pleats filled up with 'sausages' for the correct shape

* the bodice is  interlined and lined with silk

 *the bodice laces in front through handstitched  eyelets  on silk taffeta forebodies, allowing for regulation. The lacing is covered by a placket ( interlined and boned with reed), which is pinned over the lacing - it dpes have hook and bar closure option for ease too.

*sleeves with huge turnback cuffs in rabbit  fur

* hem bound wiht silk taffeta - showing some signs of wear, could do with rebbinding at some point. slight discoloration in the back of the skirt from sun, luckily in the folds

 * foresleeves in cloth of gold, bound with silk velvet, lined with silk; linen pulling outs, pearl and bead decoration

* girdle in metallic brocade with bespoke silk tassels

* english bonnet set - linen paste with pearls and bead decoration,  silk frontlet and silk velvet veil. Pins and under bonnet yelloe wrap not provided

 measurements:

 bodice  laced shut- waist  30  (76cm), pretty flexible due to lacing

chest: 36" ( 91cm)

side length ( armpit to waist 8" (20cm)

back width, armpit tp armpit 16" (41cm)

  Chemise, cuffs, jewellery and partlet not included! matching shoes, size uk6 can be purchased separately if desired ( £100)

  Free postage!

 Overseas  buyers - pleasenote you are  responsible for any customs/duty/vat charges your country levvies on imported items