Women's Baroque Velvet Dress

Women's Baroque Velvet Dress With Brocade And Feathered Cap

High Court Fashion Of The 17th Century Aristocracy

The historical inspiration for this magnificent gown dates back to the High Baroque period, roughly the second half of the 17th and the early 18th century. In this era, court fashion was characterised by heavy and expensive fabrics, deep necklines, and wide skirts that emphasised the majesty of the wearer. Bodices were often stiffened and cut to contrast with voluminous puffed sleeves and a rich skirt, which was frequently widened at the hips using special padding or hoops. This specific model represents a formal garment perfectly suited for court festivities, receiving guests, or promenading in palace gardens.

The dress is ingeniously designed as a combination of solid-coloured real velvet and colourful decorative brocade featuring a floral pattern. The 100% cotton velvet is exceptionally soft, breathable, and gives the dress a royal depth of colour. The brocade parts form the striking puffed sleeves and the central front panel, which visually elongates the figure. The bodice features an elegant square neckline, richly edged with delicate, light lace. The same decorative lace is used to create the refined cuffs at the ends of the long sleeves. The included underskirt is worn beneath the wide skirt, which can be padded at the hips to achieve a historically accurate silhouette. The overall aristocratic look is crowned by a felt hat, a so-called cap, which is lavishly decorated with long ostrich feathers and fine trim.

This beautiful garment is also custom-made in other colours upon request, according to our fabric swatches for bespoke tailoring. Please always note your desired colour in the comment field of your order, stating the swatch number, the colour letter, and its name. If you choose a fabric with a different composition, the final price may change, which will, of course, be discussed with you in advance. The dress is available in standard sizes but is also made to measure at no extra charge once you have completed our measurement chart.

Technical Specifications Of The Baroque Dress

Care Of Historical Clothing And Safety

Due to the use of luxurious and delicate materials, such as cotton velvet and brocade with metal fibres, this dress requires very specific care. We strongly recommend entrusting the garment exclusively to a professional dry cleaner. Washing at home, whether in a washing machine or by hand, could irreversibly damage the velvet pile and the structure of the metal fibres in the brocade. Never dry the dress in a tumble dryer and avoid the use of any bleaches. If necessary, the garment can be ironed very carefully on the lowest heat setting. However, always iron the velvet parts only on the reverse side, ideally through a damp cloth, to avoid scorching the fine pile. Remember that cotton, polyester, and ostrich feathers are flammable materials, so exercise extreme caution near open flames or historical lighting (candles, torches).

Recommended Accessories

To achieve an absolutely perfect and historically accurate silhouette of a Baroque lady, we highly recommend complementing this dress with a period laced corset and side hip pads beneath the skirt. A richly decorated folding fan, delicate pearl jewellery, and period leather shoes with a modest heel are perfectly suited to the garment. Please note that the small jewellery worn by the model in the photograph is not included in the delivery.