I don't actually have any warm winter costumes, so that's what I'm making this for. I really like the Turkish coat, but although they are seen worn by Venetians in portraiture, I've yet to see any evidence that they wore them with actual Venetian dress. All images show Venetians wearing the coats with Turkish outfits. So even though it's not impossible they wore the coats with Venetian dress, that idea was quickly discarded. Then I saw the image to the left at Oonagh's site, of an extant 16th century Venetian loose gown, made out of Oriental silk and originating in Spain. This is exactly what I'd been looking for. Note: I also wear this with my 16C Spanish stuff.

Research

Follower of Titian 1560 Emilia di Spilimbergo National Gallery of Art, Washington	Parrasio Micheli 1565 Portrait of a Woman Genoa, Palazzo Rosso	Domenico Riccio 1567? Portrait of a Woman Vicenza, Pinacoteca Palazzo Thiene	Veronese 1551 Countess Livia da Porto Thiene Walters Art Museum, Baltimore	Cesare Vecellio's Costume Plates 1585-90 Venetian Courtesan in Wintertime

Construction

The gowns seem to be made predominantely out of silks and velvets, often lined with fur. I used a wool/cashmere blend, fully lined with synthetic fur.

I didn't put much effort into constructing this one. The pattern was basic to draft, since it wasn't a fitting garment. I added a collar for extra warmth around my neck. The sleeves are wide and open along the seam, closing with buttons. This allows the sleeves to be opened up if it gets too warm with all that fur!