A Step Through Time

"Conspicuous Consumption with Elegance"

Reconstructing History

Venetian Noble Women's Dress

Late Sixteenth Century

Principles of Design 

16th century Venice

Before looking at Venetian gowns of the mid to late 16^th century, lets consider what makes a Venetian gown different form other areas of the time.

 ·        Silhouette.  The distinctive silhouette of the Venetian.  Full hips, but not unnaturally full.  Lack of curvature of the torso and fitted bodice.

 ·        Open V front of the dress not seen anywhere else.

 ·        The V in the back of the waistline of the dress.

 ·        Very wide necklines.

 ·        Sleeves that were designed not to be restrictive, but comfortable, yet shoulder straps that were restrictive.

 ·        Embellishments.  The Venetian dress code differed form other areas because of its lack of embellishments such as embroidery or beadwork.  Preferring the lush nature of the fabric to speak for itself.

 ·        Jewellery.  The simplicity of a single strand of large pearls about the neck was not seen else where at this time.  Single pearl drops from a large hoop earring were like wise unique.

 ·        Accessories.  Things such as footwear in the form of chopines were distinctively Venetian.  Flag fans at this time were almost exclusive to the Venetian ensemble.

  ·       The horn hairstyle was most assuredly Venetian, and the proliferation of braids in hairstyles.  Hats were an anomaly and not generally seen.

 ·        If there is one phrase that describes the Venetian dress code it is, "conspicuous consumption with elegance".

  ·      Colours used in dress would appear to be from an extensive palette.  A veritable rainbow with the exception of  purple.

Dress colour samples from Venetian art of the time.

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