Projects and collaborations

The School has taken part in many research projects regarding the cut and (re)construction of historical clothing, in collaboration with museums, universities and independent researchers.

2017

Reconstructed clothing, headwear and horse equipment, in collaboration with curator Jonathan Tavares, for the new Deering Family Galleries of Medieval and Renaissance Art, Arms, and Armor at the Art Institute of Chicago.

The new gallery

Reconstructed legwear and headwear

The blue silk velvet trunkhose are embroidered with silver twist and spangles

A German suit of armour c.1520

Reconstructed bases and plated hose

Silk velvet bases

Ostrich feathers

Silk velvet caparison with gold braid

2016

The School of Historical Dress was commissioned by the V&A Learning Centre to create two half-sized mannequins in authentic Early Modern dress of the late 16th and early 17th centuries. These interpretations are based on two prominent figures of that period: Archduchess Isabella and Archduke Albert VII, who reigned together in Brussels.

GALLERY OF ALBERT’S CLOTHES

The doll of Albert VII

Sculpted by Rachel Frost

Half-scale doublet

Cut and made by Sébastien Passot

Half-scale trunkhose

In cut and uncut silk velvet

Beaver hat

Hat by Rachel Frost

Albert dressed up

Ruffs and cuffs by Alice Gordon

GALLERY OF ISABELLA’S CLOTHES

Isabella doll

Sculpted by Rachel Frost

Stockings and garters

Half-scale Spanish farthingale

Boned bodies

Inside view of the boned bodies

Ruff and rebato

Velvet gown

Isabella fully dressed

The mannequins can be fully undressed, as can be seen in the V&A Learning Centre step-by-step guides available HERE for Albert and HERE for Isabella.

You can read more about the whole project “State of Early Modern Undress” HERE.