Above: the original Blair-Leighton painting of "The Accolade". A full length image (centre) of the duchesse satin bodice with sumptuous multi-layered chiffon skirt and medieval style hanging (elveish) sleeves. On the right, a detail of the waist beading and inner sleeve. The lightly corseted bodice is laced at the back to emphasise the waist.

Above: parents of the bride - also dressed by Rossetti; a shoulder and a belt detail.

For one bride we were inspired to use an intricately embroidered sari to reproduce the decorative hem effect shown in the original "Accolade" painting. (No-one seems able to decide if the goldwork shown in the original painting was a whim of the painter, a representation of embroidery, a woven fabric or gold beadwork - so it is fully open to individual interpretation!). The client also managed to find an antique Victorian pierced metalwork belt to use as an original hip girdle.

Emma was inspired by the original medieval-style "Accolade" gown, but also really suited the "Indira" style (right, and see index) with its Indian embroideries. We combined the two gowns and reduced the quantity of elaborate embroidery which might have swamped her petite stature. This resulted in a romantic gown of midnight blue dupion with chiffon skirts and hanging sleeves, highlighted with gold. A lightly corseted bodice with back lacing was ideal for a small frame.

Many variations are possible on the "Accolade" theme.

A similar gown would be between £2300 to £3000 depending on fabrics and embellishments required -
this will all be discussed at the consultation stage.

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