Ghirlandaio Florentine Dress 1480s

This project has been completed as part of my City & Guilds Historic Heirloom course. Here are a few examples of the type of dress made. A more comprehensive collection can be found at the magnificent under the 'Diary of a 1480s Florentine Gown' or at the website of who was fascinated by a similar dress. The course required one item to be an accurate reproduction: the camicia - while one other item is to be 'inspired' by my research. I've decided to take this as a licence for a bit of fun! I also have to compile a book of samples: stitches, embroidery, lacing, pleating etc., will all be assembled into what I hope will be a handmade 'book' with some 15C style illumination... Rod for my own back or what!