Silk Taffeta, Synthetic Damask, Silk Chiffon, Silk Velvet, Faux Pearls, and Beads (Photos by Joshua Purvis)
Worn over a conical Spanish farthingale and petticoat for skirt support. Inspired by the portraiture of Hans Holbein
Queen Catherine Parr, by Master John, 1545
This portrait demonstrates the conical silhouette of the first half of the 16th century. The bust is high and the skirt is wide. The front of the underskirt is decorative and often a tied or pinned on triangular piece rather than a full skirt. The over sleeves, often lined in fur or velvet are folded back to display a set of large decorative foresleeves which tie into the gown’s oversleeve.
This image, drawn by Jean Hunnisett, shows the common undergarments of the period. The upper body and bust were supported by a set of stays, or pair of bodies. The purpose of this garment was support rather than constriction. The skirt is supported by a conical Spanish farthingale. The boning used in these garments was often bundles of thin reeds, called bents.
