Majestic Velvets aka Royal Coffers Experience

[Lady D1]

Prior to finding this wonderful forum, we placed an order with Majestic Velvets aka Royal Coffers.  Had I found this forum before ordering I never would have ordered from this company.  As a result, I am going to relay my experience for anyone thinking of purchasing from there.  I understand others have had good experiences but we did not.   Buyer beware.

Our order arrive 13 days after it was orders, so timing was very good.  However, the ribbon to attach my sleeves and for the bodice was not included. This is my email to them requesting a full refund: 

I found some ribbon and tried the costume on.  I must say, it is a completely unacceptable in fit. 

The bodice does not even come close to fitting as there are 6 - 7 inch gaps between the front and the back pieces when laced up tightly.  The modesty panels do not come close to working for this width.  This is absolutely not what was represented on the pictures on your site.  An inch - maybe 2,  I can see but 6 on each side??? NO Way.   Their are huge gaps at the armpits that stick out on the lower portion in front as it does not lay flat.  In addition, I think it is too short for me in back it barely comes down to my natural waist. Again in the picture it appears to come down about 1- 2 inches past the natural waist line.  As a result the chemise shows between the waist and top of the bodice by 1 - 2 inches.   

The sleeves are 2 inches too short for my arms. 

The chemise has white thread?? and not gold or at least beige? It fits ok - but not great. There is a seam running on top of the sleeve of the arms which can be seen through the costume. Then end of the arms are just surged and look very poor.

The hoop skirt is a good 6 - 8 inches too short.  Not made to order, but a standard size. As I am 5'9 it is not nearly long enough - even though I gave the length needed for my skirt.

The skirt is 46 inches in the front but only 44 on the sides??  Is this correct?  It works ok. But does not sit at my natural waist - this of course can be hemmed for a proper fit.

Robert's costume fits poorly as well.  The collar of the shirt and the jacket collar both show the seams.  The front of the vest is longer than the back.  The collar of the shirt gaps and does not fit against the neck but is 2 inches from it.  The sleeves of the shirt are not long enough to show from out of the jacket.  The side have gaping holes from the u shape and his shirt shows through even when belted.

Given all of the above and that even though our measurements were accurately provided, we feel that we have no choice but to ask for full refunds.  The costumes do not feel custom made at all.  We wanted matching costumes and are highly disappointed with the fit of these.

Her response:

OH, so sorry about that. Yes just send back and we will give you a full refund.

[arbcoind]

At least you are getting refunded.  I'm sorry you were disappointed with your purchase, I know the feeling.

Gina

[Lady Catharine]

I have ordered 2x in the past.

This last one the holes were not done for detachable sleeves..I sent the bodice back and it was quickly done..
No questions asked she also refunded the postage.

I'm rather busty, so the larger bodice fit me fine..

Other then that I  have no qualms.

So now I'm searching for a Tudor court gown ..gone elaborate..howere' not into spending thousands..I can do 4-500---but that's my limit.

Hope this helps:)

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Since you are a newer member, you probably have missed the posts about Royal Coffers in the past.  My horror story didn't even get a refund.  Instead, Lady Kathleen of Olmsted reworked my entire garb.  And gave up on my husband's, and she made him a new doublet.

I would never, ever recommend this vendor based on the poor quality of the fit.  Not to mention, there are RC cookie cutter gowns walking around faire, and I usually see 8 to 10 a season.  Mostly from people who are new to garbing (as I was when I bought ours) and who don't know better.

Pay the money and get something worth having.  Which will last for many years.

[Lady D1]

Since you are a newer member, you probably have missed the posts about Royal Coffers in the past.  My horror story didn't even get a refund.  Instead, Lady Kathleen of Olmsted reworked my entire garb.  And gave up on my husband's, and she made him a new doublet.

I would never, ever recommend this vendor based on the poor quality of the fit.  Not to mention, there are RC cookie cutter gowns walking around faire, and I usually see 8 to 10 a season.  Mostly from people who are new to garbing (as I was when I bought ours) and who don't know better.

Pay the money and get something worth having.  Which will last for many years.

I read your horror story after we ordered.  Held out hope that it would not be the same.  Alas the story speaks for itself.   Have decided to make our next set of garb myself.    It might not be ready this year but it will for next!  Good news is that we have plenty of outfits for this year.

Lady Kathleen of Olmsted does such wonderful work.  I am glad she was able to help you out.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I heard my name mentioned. Here is Lady Renee Buchannan's Royal Coffers redo. The new bodice in the photo was made from the Tabard/Doublet that I tired to redo for Steven. I gave up and did him  whole new Doublet from scratch.

[Lady D1]

I heard my name mentioned. Here is Lady Renee Buchannan's Royal Coffers redo. The new bodice in the photo was made from the Tabard/Doublet that I tired to redo for Steven. I gave up and did him  whole new Doublet from scratch.

Very nice job indeed!!! 

[Lady Nicolette]

So beautiful!  One of these days I'm gonna have to go noble!

[Athena]

Amazing work, Lady Kathleen!

I bought a basic wench outfit (starter garb, like Renee stated) from Royal Coffers years ago, and while I didn't have a negative experience at the time, I agree with "buyer beware."

After getting some garbing and sewing experience under my belt, I can see their work is less than stellar. The bodice is brocade, but only in the front. The back is cotton twill, and the seams are visible; the skirt is a poly-cotton blend and has started to pill.

I paid around $60 for the ensemble on Ebay, and the old adage you get what you pay for is true. It had a few good years, but unlike some of the more expensive garb I have, it hasn't stood the test of time. For basic starter garb that's needed in a pinch it's OK, but for more elaborate/noble I'd definitely save the money for something of better quality.

Glad you're getting a refund, Lady D!

[ItsTheBishop]

I had an experience with Royal Coffers last year as well; their doublets really shouldn't be advertised as such as they're not at all structured like a doublet should be. The velveteen/cotton velvet breeches weren't too bad; they're starting to get a bit of wear after a year of wear, so I'll likely be replacing them for BARF this year.

I ended up purchasing a fabric Marlowe style doublet from Pendragon at Scarby because of the "ooh, shiny!" effect, and I like it much better. Granted, it cost $200 more than the "doublet" from Royal Coffers. And the skirt on the Pendragon doublet needs to be extended a bit, IMO or I need to get a matching jerkin made.

[Cateyes]

I just ordered a skirt from them and after they assured me that it would fit over my very large (152 inch) hoop skirt it did not even come close!  I was so disappointed but they did tell me I could get a refund.  I just have to pay for shipping twice

[Dinobabe]

I just ordered a skirt from them and after they assured me that it would fit over my very large (152 inch) hoop skirt it did not even come close!  I was so disappointed but they did tell me I could get a refund.  I just have to pay for shipping twice

To me that is really bad business.  They promised a product that they couldn't deliver.  That is their problem, not yours.  You shouldn't have to pay for their mistake.

[Anna Iram]

Cateyes, if you've kept a copy of your conversation with them over the measurements, remind them they gave their word and demand a full refund of shipping costs as well.

I do urge anyone who purchases anything online to ask questions, be clear on all return policies including refunds on shipping and keep records of your corespondance.  I know this company has developed a reputation, but there are many others who might give you a fight if you can't back up your side of the complaint.

[RumbaRue]

Lady Buchannan I have the same bodice, no sleeves. The bodice fit well enough, but I could tell it was not something I wanted to wear on a regular basis as it was done with regular velvet (not the good cotton) . I like what you did with the gorgeous trim on yours and now you have me thinking that wouldn't be a bad idea. Will have to put that down as another project waiting in line. lol.

It's the very first time I ever ordered a bodice over the net, only because I really liked the material and knew I could never have the time to make one. I have made all my bodices myself, but not anymore as I have grown older and so have my eyes.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Lady Buchannan I have the same bodice, no sleeves. The bodice fit well enough, but I could tell it was not something I wanted to wear on a regular basis as it was done with regular velvet (not the good cotton) . I like what you did with the gorgeous trim on yours and now you have me thinking that wouldn't be a bad idea. Will have to put that down as another project waiting in line. lol.

It's the very first time I ever ordered a bodice over the net, only because I really liked the material and knew I could never have the time to make one. I have made all my bodices myself, but not anymore as I have grown older and so have my eyes.

Actually, Rumba, that isn't the same bodice.  Lady Kathleen remade the entire bodice out of different material, the brocade and real cotton velvet.  It looks the same, but she had to totally start again from scratch and get rid of the original bodice. She couldn't salvage it.  It was that bad.