The Creative Contessa Blog

See the fun, engaging video version of this essay here.   In today’s Western world, people generally eschew the wearing of hats or headcoverings of any sort unless Mother Nature forces us to cover our locks – for instance to protect against cold, against overpowering sunlight, or driving rain. But in the not-so-distant past, it would have been unheard of for people to walk around without some sort of fabric bundled onto their pates. Bare heads were simply not done! For most of the Middle Ages and Renaissance, people of all levels of society covered their hair with linen, silk, or...

During the magical Christmas season in German, I pay a visit to one of the most beautiful cities in Europe - Rothenburg ob Der Tauber. With its winding medieval streets, its stunning half-timber architecture and delightfully zany history, Rothenburg makes an ideal backgroup for travel exploration that transports one back in time.

Just before Pennsic 2022, I decided that I wanted, nay, NEEDED, a new gamurra, the quintessential foundational gown of 15th century Italy. You see, all of my current such gowns had grown threadbare, not very prestigious for a Contessa! My goal was to complete it in time to wear at the event, roughly two weeks to complete it.  And I wanted to incorporate my latest research and discoveries from the past several years into the project. My intention was to create a gamurra that would not require the assistance of a lady-in-waiting but that would still prove a suitably aristocratic...

Watch a medieval Countess get dressed, from the skin out, in full 15th century Florentine finery!

When I was a teenager, I attended a medieval ball at a massive 10,000-person medievalist event known as Pennsic. . I had some skill at medieval ballroom dance, but not much. Here is a turbo tutorial, complete with basic footwork, so that you may not find yourself caught quite so flatfooted at your next medieval or Renaissance ball! 

I am doubtlessly not the only fashionista who works best under pressure. Tight deadlines drive me in ways I somehow cannot necessarily drive myself. Enter the gorgeous custom-made buckle and strap end that I purchased from Armour & Castings in the Ukraine, intended to create a beautiful wide belt of the sort worn by grand ladies such as Mary of Burgundy and Margaret of York. But I had never made any sort of belt before, let alone one covered in expensive silk damask and "harnyssed" in gilt fittings. Also, I decided that I needed this belt in time for our...