Product description
The bliaut (or bliaud) was an outer garment worn in Western Europe from the 11th to the 13th century, especially in areas under French influence. Both men and women wore this garment. The female bliaut is mainly recognizable by the tight-fitting upper body, the spacious skirt and the striking sleeves: tight from the shoulder to about the elbow and then widely flared, sometimes almost to the floor.
From the 12th century onwards, the bliaut was often worn at noble courts. Later variations, known as the bliaut girone, consisted of a fitted bodice and a pleated one skirt, often combined with a belt around the waist. Images of bliauts can be found in medieval sculptures, illuminated manuscripts and the Bayeux Tapestry.
This one dress is based on 12th-13th century originals with trumpet sleeves, seen in illuminated manuscripts, murals and panels from that period. Trumpet sleeves symbolized the upper, wealthier class. Because wealthy ladies did not have to do physical labor, they could wear dresses with 'impractical' sleeves.
Worn from the fifteenth century ladies a dress with trumpet sleeves also under the cotehardie. This beautiful loose fitting dress is made of light cotton.
The dress is equipped with historical rows (triangular pieces of fabric) so that the skirt falls wider. The neckline is quite wide so that it is not easily visible under a piece of clothing. The sleeves have a lace so you can adjust the shape to your own wishes.
