Inspired by the beautiful painting of "The Accolade" by Edmund Leighton, done in 1901, this Edwardian-inspired medieval gown embodies the romantic and fantastical movement that the Edwardian artists were entranced by, and still echos the longing for a time of simplicity, sword fights, jousting and the sweet romance of love and loss. 

Both the kirtle and the exterior dress were custom drafted and made to fit snugly, as what was common for both historical accuracy and in modern portraiture. With 13 panels creating the fitted bodice and flaring into a full skirt, reaching to below the ankles by 6 inches (a feature common in the middle ages) to be gathered up when walking. 

Worn simply with the only key details shown: the embellished cuffs of the golden kirtle, the side closure (done up with hand-sewn eyelets and a gold rope trim), a golden-metal embossed belt with ruby Swarvoski crystals (not shown), and elaborate golden brocade at the bottom hem of the gown (not shown). 

Both dresses were finished within 3 weeks, but the additional gold trim detailing was intricately added by hand, and required an additional 3 weeks to apply to the skirt. The pattern was carefully replicated by studying Leighton's portrait, and intricately hand tracing each pattern to the dress (to be photographed at a later date).

Photographed by WellDressedHistorian.