What style is this?

[Maithu Ruadh]

This is a picture of my wife's ren faire gown. My mother-in-law made it for her from a Simplicity pattern, I think.

I know it's probably not quite historically accurate, but does anyone know roughly what time period or county's style it is similar to? I keep thinking late medieval, but I'm not really sure.

[isabelladangelo]

It's a lovely color and you are lucky to have a MIL that sews but it's not historical in any way.   It's fantastical.   Paisley - the front of the skirt- wasn't around until the 17th C.   Having an underdress or skirt showing (called a forepart) was popular through out the 16th C in the various European cultures but the skirts were quite full typically and the decorated front was never attached.  Bodices to gowns were nearly always fitted (unless it was a loose gown in which case there wasn't a "bodice" piece) from the 14th C until really the 1920's. 

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

For what it's worth, I call myself "hysterically inaccurate," so I'm probably not the best judge of time periods.  But when I look at it, it reminds me of the Medieval time period.  Whatever it is or isn't in a time frame, I think it's beautiful.  The colors are lovely and she looks wonderful in it.  Your MIL did a great job!   And if that's your daughter, she's adorable!     

[DonaCatalina]

I think the pattern designer may have intended it to be Italian circa 1485.


But it makes me think they designed it from memory based on a portrait they saw 20 years ago in elementary school.
Don't get me wrong, the dress is lovely and your wife looks very pretty in it. But it's only vaguely historical.

[isabelladangelo]

Italy never had sleeves like.     In the 1480's, the very fitted bodices typically laced up the front, had raised waistlines (not quite underbust, but starting at the ribs), and curved fronts.  You can see the full dress here:

[gem]

We have all--including the original poster--acknowledged that the gown is NOT HISTORICAL. No need to keep pointing out how. He asked what eras it might be similar to, and although the definition of "similar" is in the eye of the beholder, I think to many of us, there are definite elements that make us think "medieval," even when we see that it's not accurate. (Frex, I can look at the truly awful costumes in the new TV series "Reign" and acknowledge that the designer wanted viewers to think about the Tudor era, while the designer of "Game of Thrones" wanted us to think medieval.) There are elements even in fantasy costuming that often call out particular influences, and this dress is medieval-inspired.

Maithu, if you scroll down about 2/3 of the way on this SCA member's Pinterest page, she has several really good boards for Medieval garb, organized by century and region (go past all the medieval accessories and medieval crafts boards). She covers both period artwork and recreations. You can see the incredible variety of clothing worn over about 1000 years all across Europe. Have fun!!

ETA: Agree with Isabella: lovely dress & nice MIL!!

[Maithu Ruadh]

Thanks, folks, for all the input. Hopefully she'll be more historically accurate next year. After making my own German landsknecht garb this year, she's interested in me making her a kampfrau dress. Should be a lot more simple and maybe if I have time, I'll make one for our daughter too. 

[isabelladangelo]

She looks like she'd be *fabulous* in a German gown!