Women's PLUS SIZE Renaissance Dress, Tudor, Elizabethan, Costume , Bridal Gown, (Made To Order) Labor Fees
$1,916.08
Renaissance Dress, Tudor, Elizabethan, Costume , Bridal Gown, LAY AWAY AVAILABLE
Please contact me to check my availability before purchasing.
Photography by: L. Andrew Bennett
DESCRIPTION: GOWN SHOWN IS NOT AVAILABLE FOR READY SALE. Each gown is a one-of-a-kind custom-made couture gown and cannot be duplicated exactly as shown. Your gown will be similar with individual customized embroidered embellishment - Some limitations apply.
Price listed is for labor ONLY. Client provides all fabrics and notions. All extra embellishments shown (beading, pearls, metallic findings) are not included in the labor fees listed. ALLOW SIX MONTHS FOR DELIVERY. Etsy only allows up to 9 to 10 weeks turnaround in their "format" but I require up to six months.
Gown includes:
- Custom drafted bodice with up to 10 tabs and hand-made piping - Embroidery not included on tabs
- One to Two embroidery patterns on the stomacher (front of bodice) one color.
- 4 to 5 panel split over-skirt with up to 6 monochromatic (one color) embroidery patterns on each front facing.
- Paned, poufed upper sleeves attached to the bodice.
- One-piece fitted, split lower sleeves (detachable) lined, and piped, with up to 6 embroidery patterns on each sleeve.
- Forepanel (underskirt) with up to 12 embroidery patterns.
**Partlet shown in the picture in not included and no longer available for purchase in my store.
COMMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR CLIENTS: Beginning in 2026 I will only be accepting a very limited number of commissions. For the past ten years I was consistently booked out up to two years at a time. I will no longer be taking commissions full-time. Please contact me to check my availability before ordering. I will be accepting commissions on a case-by-case bases. If your gown idea inspires me creatively, I will accept the commission, but it will take up to 6 months to complete as I will only be working in my studio part-time. A 30% non-refundable deposit will be necessary 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. An upper body cast is required wearing the appropriate corset - which is either a 16th century or 18th century pair of stays. Tutorial for the cast will be provided upon receipt of your non-refundable deposit. 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 of time. Any client that ghosts on their reservation and is subsequently cancelled, future reservations with Designs From Time will not be accepted.
ADDITIONAL:
- Silks or Silk blends WILL require hem guards
- Pearls used in this design are authentic freshwater cultured pearls, 3 to 4 mm rice Grade Approximately 6 strands of pearls were used in the sample gown pictured and 2400 glass beads. Current wholesale price is approximately $19 per 15.5 to 16 inch strand.
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.
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 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)
10 to 20 yards Decorative Trims (price depends on type chosen and amount needed)
COST BREAKDOWN:
ADDITIONAL SPECIALIZED NOTIONS SUPPLIED BY DFT (Added to final Statement):
5 yards Fusible Batiste Linen (bodice interfacing) ($40)
1/2 yard Pellon 72 wt (Bodice Stomacher Stiffener) ($6)
2 yards quilt batting (forepart) ($8)
1 spool clear beading thread ($3)
1.5 yards Linen or cotton - Sleeve lining (14.92)
10 to 12 yards 3 inch grosgrain (cartridge pleat stabilizer) ($12)
6 Stays ($9)
24 Grommets ($10)
4 skeins Matching Embroidery Floss (To couch grommets) (1.11)
2 Spools Cotton/poly blend sewing thread ($4)
9 colors - 2 spools ea. = $144.
4 Large Hooks & Eye (Skirt) ($4)
2 large spools machine embroidery thread ($12)
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$268.03
Specialized Supplies: $268.03
Embroidery Labor: $673.05
Labor & Drafting fees (65 pcs) - $975
BEADING NOT INCLUDED. AVAILABLE FOR ADDITIONAL FEES.
______________________
$1,916.08 Labor & Specialized Notions - The embroidery pattern shown in the bodice and skirt is no longer available.
JEWELS, IF PICTURED ARE NOT INCLUDED
All gowns are custom drafted and are NOT limited to the sizes shown. Sizes listed are just approximate.
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.
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
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.