I finished the
gown without an underskirt in November 1997.
After I studied the “Armada” portrait in detail, I noticed that the
undersleeves and the underskirt had matching embroidery motifs and patterns.
I decided to split the overskirt and add an
underskirt.
Hem detail.
Elizabeth I . “Armada” Portrait c 1588-89
The metallic braid that edges the jeweled ribbon
down thebodice and overskirt continues around the parameter of the
entire hem. The braid is pearled