Wednesday 8 April 2009

Pre-Raphaelite vs Medieval

I'd like to give a Well Played to the mastermind behind Rossetti Costume. This is not because their Medieval collection is historically accurate -- it isn't! -- but because they explain their inspiration for every single dress and mention on each page that they're taking hints from Pre-Raphaelite artists or Lord of the Rings. These are ball gowns, not SCA wear, and there's never any doubt about it.



I've fugged romantic, pseudo-Medieval dresses before, but I have nothing against the gowns themselves. In fact, I love them. I only object when people try to pass them off as suitable for garb, either claiming or strongly implying that real Medieval ladies would have worn them.

Side note: I also love this place because their sample sizes are UK 10-12 (US 6-8) instead of being, say, size 2.  My god, you can actually wear these things if you're over sixteen!

1 comment:

  1. Pre-Raphaelite can be a start- just not an ending. I live in the land of shapeless sacks called 'Norse', and in the summertime, two squares pinned on the shoulders and called a 'chiton'. Pre-Raphaelite would look pretty darned medieval in comparison.

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