> don't think I have enough time to make a full court gown at this > stage and should think about a doublet.
Actually, "Court Gown" doesn't necessarily mean a low necked bodice and skirt, any more than the modern "evening gown" means any specific style. It's a description of the level of richness and ornamentation, not the cut or style of the garment. A court gown could be a low necked bodice and skirt or it could a doublet bodice, probably with a matching skirt for this level of formality till quite late in the century. It could also be a loose gown, which is like a coat that flares from the shoulders, or a fitted gown, which fits closely to the body and may or may not have a waistline seam. I agree with Albert that a doublet would probably be more, not less, work than a simple fitted bodice and skirt. Don't futz around with trimming details if you're short of time: find a beautiful brocade and let it do the work for you. This style is seen in a number of period paintings of female musicians, so it seems particularly appropriate here. As to wearing the collar open, I would say yes, especially for a musician who needs ease of movement. It was good enough for Mary, Queen of Scots, who was painted several times wearing a shirt or smock with a large ruff worn open. Margo _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
