Women's Velvet Dress With Surcote And Headdress

Late Gothic Women's Velvet Dress With Surcote And Headdress

Elegance and Majesty of the 15th Century

This beautiful garment finds its historical predecessor in the fashion of the Late Gothic period, specifically in the 15th century, when the extremely wealthy and ostentatious Burgundian court set the standard for European courts. During this time, layered clothing became a typical feature of women's fashion. The bottom layer consists of a dress called a cotte with long, narrow sleeves, which on this model are elegantly finished with ruffled cuffs. Over this, the surcote was worn, featuring deep armholes historically known as "windows of hell". These deep side cut-outs perfectly showcased the expensive fabric and precise tailoring of the underdress. This type of gown was primarily worn by noblewomen and very wealthy burgher women during festive and representative occasions.

An integral part of the ensemble is the massive headdress richly decorated with faux pearls. It is based on period headwear known as the bourrelet or hennin, which gave the wearer a majestic and aristocratic appearance. The 100% cotton fabric with a genuine velvet finish is durable, highly breathable, and visually faithfully imitates the luxurious materials that were expensively imported from the Orient during the Middle Ages.

Parameters and Material Composition

Customisation Options and Size Chart

This Under and Over Dress is available in standard sizes according to this size chart. However, the product is custom-tailored to your exact measurements at no extra charge. In that case, please fill out this measurement chart after completing your order. We can make the dress for you in other colours according to these fabric swatches. Please note the desired colour in the comment field of your order (always state the swatch number, colour letter, and name, e.g., 03-A-Yellow). If you choose a fabric with a different composition, there may be a price change, which we will consult with you in advance.

Caring for Your Velvet Garment

To ensure this magnificent costume remains beautiful for as long as possible, the velvet requires gentle care. Please read our cleaning and maintenance instructions. We highly recommend entrusting the garment exclusively to a professional dry cleaner. Washing it in a domestic washing machine could severely damage the pearl decorations and the structure of the velvet itself. Never tumble dry the garment and avoid ironing it on the right side. If ironing is absolutely necessary, do so only on the reverse side at a very low temperature, or ideally use a vertical garment steamer. Avoid wearing it in heavy rain or deep mud.

Recommended Accessories

To achieve a flawless Late Gothic look, we highly recommend acquiring historically accurate leather shoes with elongated pointed toes (known as poulaines) and a narrow leather or brass belt from which a leather pouch can be elegantly suspended. Please note that shoes, jewellery, and belts shown in the illustrative photographs are not included in the delivery of this product.