Toledo Gown

Twenty-eight pearl buttons line the sleeves, dozens of yards of trims, fine stitches. These are just some of the details in this reproduction of the gown worn by Eleanor of Toledo when she was laid to rest. Eleanor, wife of Grand Duke Cosimo I of the Italian Medici family, held a noble station in society which she showed in her clothes. Her sleeves are slashed and her Silk Chemise poufs through. Her bust line has been flattened and lifted by her Corset. Her Bumroll and Hoopskirt make her skirts lay larger to give the illusion of a smaller waist without the body alterations practiced by the Victorians. Made of cotton velveteen and lined in various satin and trim colors.