Women's PLUS SIZE Renaissance Dress, Catherine de Medici, Tudor, Elizabethan, Costume, Bridal Gown (Made To Order) - Lay Away Available

$1,430.94

Shipping to United States: Free

Renaissance Dress, Catherine de Medici Tudor, Elizabethan, Costume, Bridal Gown - - FABRICS NOT INCLUDED

Please check my availability before you purchase!

DESCRIPTION: **Gown Pictured represents a STYLE of gown. I don't offer an exact copy. This particular gown was from "The Serpent Queen." Fabric shown is NOT available.

Made to Order: Elizabethan style noble women's gown - custom drafted.

GOWN SHOWN IS FOR SAMPLE PURPOSES ONLY - NOT FOR RETAIL. Each gown is a one-of-a-kind custom commission and cannot be duplicated exactly as shown in the same fabrics or trims. Your gown will include the sleeves as shown, bodice, overskirt, and forepart (underskirt) but with the option of one-color individual customized embroidered embellishment or trims. Fabrics, trims, pearls, and notions are provided by the client and not included in the cost of construction.

Gown includes:

- Custom drafted bodice - embroidery can be added in the front of the bodice.
- Shoulder poufs and panes
- Fitted paned sleeves - Embroidery can be added on the panes
- Hand-made piping, and couched grommets in back of the bodice.
- Split over-skirt. Picture shows a one piece.
- Custom forepart embellished with up to 12 embroidery patterns.

**Under Partlet NOT Included.

BEADING AND PEARLING FEES: Glass beads and authentic freshwater pearls fetch a fee of $50 per strand to apply. The average labor is 80+ hours to hand sew beads and pearls. Beading/pearling fees for each gown is dependent upon the embroidery or trims chosen. AVERAGE gown uses 5 strands and fetches labor fees of approximately $250. YOUR FEES WILL BE DETERMINED BY THE NUMBER OF STRANDS OF PEARLS USED. Please be advised, these fees are non-negotiable. The average fee of $250 for 80 hours of labor breaks down to approximately $3.13 an hour and is a HUGE discount that plunges far beneath the minimum hourly wage of $10 to $15 an hour in the USA! Beading fees, if estimated using the current minimum wage of $10 an hour, would normally fetch a fee of $800, which is nearly the entire cost to construct the gown. Therefore, labor fees for beading and pearling are firm and non-negotiable and will be added to your final billing statement.

APPROX YARDAGE PROVIDED BY CLIENT:
7 yards Silk 58 inches wide (Skirt)
2 yards silk 58 inches wide (Bodice & Upper Sleeve)
2 yards Silk (Lower Sleeve)
1.5 yards of silk or silk velvet for Hand made Piping
2 yards Silk (Forepart)
2 yards Cotton Lining (bodice)
2 yards Medium Weight Cotton (Forepart Side panels)
2 yards Silk Velvet or Light Weight Velveteen (Hem guards)
7 yards of Cotton 50 to 56 inches wide for flat lining skirt panels If you choose silk or silk brocade. (9 yards if cotton fabric is 45 inches wide).
10 to 20 yards Decorative Trims (This is an item often purchased by DFT and added to your final billing)
1/2 yard silk or silk velvet (for shoulder poufs).

SUGGESTED FABRIC FOR HEMGUARDS:

1.5 yards of silk velvet or cotton velveteen. Only necessary if gown is made of silk brocades or plain silks. Without it, your hem will become horribly frayed! Therefore, hem guards are highly recommended for silks. If you choose not to include them, DFT will not be held liable for any damage to the hem that will result from wear.

10 yards decorative trim at the intersection of the hemguards and the skirt proper.

For hand-made piping rather than trims, add another 1.5 yards of silk - or bias cut silk in a contrasting color can be purchased.

COST BREAKDOWN: Calculated for gown that "can" be customized with embroidery. Some limitations will apply on the embroidery pattern.

ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED NOTIONS SUPPLIED BY DFT:

3 yards Fusible Cotton (bodice interfacing) ($36)
1/2 yard Pellon 72 wt (Bodice Stomacher Stiffener) ($6)
3 yards Fusible Cotton (forepart stabilizer) ($27)
1 spool clear beading thread ($3)
10 to 12 yards 3 inch grosgrain (cartridge pleat stabilizer) ($12)
6 to 12 Stays ($6)
4 Strands of 6 to 7 mm flat round mushroom pearls: 12.80 per strand ($51.20)
24 Grommets ($10)
4 skeins Matching Embroidery Floss (To couch grommets) ($1.11)
2 spool Embroidery Thread ($18)
2 Spools Cotton/poly blend sewing thread ($4)
4 Large Hooks & Eye (Skirt) ($4)
3 yards cording for hand-made piping on bodice: $6.00 (If you choose hand-made piping on the hem guards, add another $20).
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$192.95

Specialized Supplies: $192.95
Embroidery Labor: $250 - Single color. Limitations on pattern.
Gown Construction & Pattern Drafting Fees - $838
Beading Fees: $150
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$1,430.94 TOTAL Labor & Specialized Notions (FABRICS PROVIDED BY CLIENT)

ALLOW 12 WEEKS FOR CONSTRUCTION

NEW REQUIREMENTS FOR CLIENTS: I am consistently booked out 12 to 15+ months at a time. Please contact me to check my availability before ordering. To be added to my schedule, I now require a 30% non-refundable deposit to hold a reservation. Client MUST choose their fabrics THREE months prior to their reservation date to allow for the purchase of swatches and to order fabric. If fabric is not included in your purchase, client will be responsible for their purchase and must be shipped to me and received no LESS than TWO months in advance of your reservation. Upper body cast is required wearing the appropriate corset. Tutorial will be provided. Cast must be received TWO months prior to your reservation. DO NOT use Duct tape. If you do, you will be required to create another one at your expense. if client has not complied with these requirements as specified, your reservation can be cancelled, and you will lose your deposit. Rescheduling is no longer guaranteed, due to abuses of my time and clients ghosting on their reservation. If a client has paid in full, rather than placed a deposit, and they do not follow the above guidelines or fail to respond to my messages in a timely fashion, their order will be placed on a permanent hold until requirements have been met. No refunds will be issued. Store credit only. To be rescheduled, client will be required to pay an additional 30% non-refundable deposit to compensate for my loss. Any client that ghosts on their reservation and is subsequently cancelled, future reservations with Designs From Time will not be accepted.

*ANY JEWELS SHOWN ON SAMPLES ARE NOT INCLUDED.

Available in the following sizes Only:

USA . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . UK
2 (X-Small). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4 (X-Small/Small) . . . . . . . . . . 6
6 (Small). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8 (Medium). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
10 (Medium). . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
12 (Large). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
14 (Large-X-Large). . . . . . . . . .16
16 (X-Large/1X) . . . . . . . . . . . .18
18 (1X/2X). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
20 (2X) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
22 (3X) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

**Handmade items will have small imperfections.

**No refunds. All Sales are final.

QUALITY STANDARDS: Each Designs From Time ensemble is created to meet my exacting standards, and I am a perfectionist! All my bodices - whether working class or noble - are CUSTOM DRAFTED to fit each individual client. My bodices are not cookie-cut patterns, nor do I approach my designs with a "one size fits most" concept using a commercial pattern source that you HOPE will fit. Rather than trying to make your body fit into a commercial pattern, I take the time and added effort to custom drape and draft a pattern to fit YOUR unique body. You may find reproduction clothing that is cheaper, but a bargain isn't a bargain if what you're buying is substandard workmanship. My designs are clothing NOT costume. They are among the sturdiest your money can buy. The quality you see pictured is the quality that you receive.

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IMPLIED AGREEMENT:

~ COMMUNICATION: Buyer agrees and acknowledges by the remittance of their 20% Non-Refundable Deposit, or payment in full at the time of purchase, that ALL communication with DFT, hereafter known as Seller, must remain through Etsy in order to abide by Etsy’s policies for Sellers. Buyer further agrees that once their order has been placed with DFT, a.k.a. Seller, Buyer will maintain REGULAR contact with DFT, i.e., including but not limited to, checking their Etsy messages on a regular basis throughout the duration their commission is listed on DFT’s schedule until such time as their commission has been completed, the balance paid, and the item(s) shipped.

~ UPPER BODY CASTS/MOCK-UPS: Buyer agrees and acknowledges by the remittance of their 20% Non-refundable deposit, or their Payment in full at the time of purchase, that they are responsible for creating an upper body cast from cellophane wrap and “Painter’s Tape” (NOT DUCT TAPE), which shall meet ALL the specifications in the instructional video and the PDF handout. Buyer agrees and understands that if their cast is NOT made correctly the fit of their garment CANNOT be guaranteed, and DFT will not be held liable. Furthermore, in the event that a muslin mock-up of the garment is necessary, the Buyer MUST have someone who is knowledgeable in fitting a toile (mock-up). If the mock-up is not correctly fitted, again, DFT, a.k.a. Seller, CANNOT guarantee a correct fit of the finished garment, and the Seller shall not be held liable by the Buyer.

Shipping from United States

Processing time

9-10 weeks

Estimated shipping times

  • North America : 7 - 10 business days

I'll do my best to meet these shipping estimates, but can't guarantee them. Actual delivery time will depend on the shipping method you choose.

Customs and import taxes

Buyers are responsible for any customs and import taxes that may apply. I'm not responsible for delays due to customs.

Payment Options

Secure options
  • Accepts Etsy gift cards

Returns & Exchanges

I don't accept returns, exchanges, or cancellations

But please contact me if you have any problems with your order.

Frequently Asked Questions

Custom and personalized orders

ALL of our GOWNS are one-of-a-kind couture, and custom drafted to fit your personal measurements! Most vendors on Etsy offer multiples, i.e., cranking out the same gown over, and over; however, we do not repeat the same gown. Rather, we will take a style you like and customize it for your personal tastes using our superior craftsmanship and knowledge for historical clothing and construction. All of the samples you see listed in our store can be personalized. Additionally, all of our accessories (hats, smocks, corsets/stays) are customized to fit your measures as well. While you may find CHEAPER versions of gowns offered by other vendors, one glance at OUR work will reflect the disparity between a so-called bargain and true quality.

How does the Layaway option work?

With a 20% non-refundable deposit, you can reserve a slot on our calendar. The remaining balance can be parceled out into six (6) automated monthly payments via PayPal on any item valued at $800 or more. We've lowered our deposit from 40% to 20% to make it more affordable for our clients. Details are included in a contract for your protection.

What's your lead time for commissions?

We are blessed to stay busy! Our calendar is filled at least 8 to 10 months - or more - in advance. It's best to give us NO LESS than 6 months advance notice, but optimally longer! - especially for bridal gowns and highly detailed ensembles. Depending on the intricacy of your gown commission it can take up to 12 to 14 weeks just for construction. Because most of our pieces are highly detailed with custom embroidered fabrics and beading, we need every second! We squeeze accessories and corsets into our gown commission schedule and usually need no less than 3 months advance for those smaller items. It is best to inquire before ordering. We will make every effort possible to assist in your deadline.

Do you ship outside the USA?

We will ship outside the USA - However, because our clothing is customized there will be added shipping expenses. We work off a "body cast" created from Painters Tape and Cellophane wrap which must be created in your era appropriate corset (for women). This cast is shipped to us at the customer's expense. Any customs fees or taxes are the responsibility of the client, as well as any insurance.

I love this gown! - - How much is it?

All of our gowns priced in the listing reflect a specific "style detail" and "level of embellishment." We don't crank out the same gowns over and over and scrimp on quality craftsmanship. Unless specified in the listing details, all the gowns are priced for LABOR ONLY. Fashion fabrics for gowns are provided by the client. We charge by the pattern piece (every piece we physically sew together) rather than hourly, so the MORE details in the gown, the higher the price. If you're on a tight budget, you can order a basic gown without all the extras for about $800 for labor. Rather than compromise on quality of craftsmanship, choose a simplified gown from US rather than go bargain shopping and be disappointed in the quality.

Do you take commissions for 18th and 19th Century as well?

YES! YES! YES! We are well versed in the construction and fitting for other eras, namely 18th Century! Our niche has been 16th Century, but we ABSOLUTELY can create men's and women's ensembles for other eras, to include 1940s Vintage. In fact, we appreciate the divergence as we stay so booked in the 16th Century we don't' have the opportunity to "play" with samples.

Added Value Service for BRIDES!

We have carved out a niche for highly detailed, custom fit/drafted bridal gowns (historical themed). Because this gown is the highlight of your wedding and there are too many HORROR STORIES we hear from our clients who have used other, less reputable (but cheaper) vendors here on Etsy, we offer live, personal fittings anywhere in the United States or Canada. If you wish to avail yourself of this service, we will attach the cost of our flight and hotel to come to YOU! No more guess work. No more disappointments or risk of ordering your gown on line. We will shop for the best flight prices - flying coach - to help keep your costs at a minimum.

I ordered a gown with another vendor and was SO disappointed!

It sickens us, every time we hear the horror stories from clients who initially think they cannot afford one our gowns so they go to another vendor, for what sounds like a bargain, but the gown falls apart because the quality of craftsmanship is so poor. They inevitably come back to us but have now wasted $400 on a so-called "bargain." At DFT, we have built a reputation on SUPERIOR craftsmanship and Customer Service. There is no reason to go bargain hunting elsewhere! Don't let the prices in our store scare you. We can offer a basic gown for around $800. So, pay a little more initially and let US offer you a basic gown made with superior craftsmanship that will last many years. A bargain isn't' a bargain if the craftsmanship is poor!

Are Fabrics Included in your listings?

The majority of our listing prices are for Labor Fees ONLY and requires the client to purchase their fashion fabrics and ship it to us at their expense. We DO all the legwork for you during the consult process - sourcing quality fabrics and trims. Unless the listing specifically states "Retail" or "Fabrics Included" the client should be prepared to add the cost of fabrics to their budget.

Embroidery Labor vs Construction Labor:

Embroidery Labor is separate from Construction Labor. We charge the industry standard for embroidery, which is $1.00 per 1000 stitches. Embroidery patterns vary in their intricacy, color changes, and stitch counts. Patterns that are dense, or have multiple colors, will have higher stitch counts.

Construction Labor is our fee to actually construct your garment. Many times the embroidery labor far exceeds the actual construction time.

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