Dress of Middle class woman

  This costume from the 15th century depicting a middle class woman was inspired by the paintings of Rogier van der Weyden. The dress has the characteristic cut at the waist and short sleeves for attaching separate sleeves. These were often from a better material than the whole dress (brocade, velvet). The sleeves were pinned to the short sleeves of the dress. The costume is made from a medium to thin woolen fabric and is laced up the front with a hand made wollen lace. The front of the gown forms a V opening which shows the linen chemise underneath. The pattern of the chemise consists of simple rectangles and triangular gores.