Peasants and paparazzi went wild as Zoe headed up the red carpet towards the castles drawbridge. A regular cover-maiden for Wench Weekly, she was at the cutting edge of fashion and a role-model for budding starlets all over the realm.
“She’s wearing an eye-catching purple, green and red velvet gown with an almost scandalously tight bodice and those sleeves must have at least fifty buttons up each arm!” gasped the presenter of A Pagan Affair. Some in the crowd tut-tutted in disapproval at the sheer extravagance of it all.
Most shocking and fabulous of all was Zoe’s cone-shaped hat, patterned with gold embroidery and nearly half a metre tall. Metres of gossamer-sheer pink silk billowed from the tip, dragging on the ground behind her. “It’s a hennin – the latest fashion from Italy”, said Zoe modestly, as she paused for a photo opportunity.
“Well you’re a shoe-in for Best Dressed Medieval Maiden this year”, gushed an overwhelmed fan.
From the Powerhouse Museum’s collection:
Silver and topaz tiara, 1895 - 1905
Fit for a princess, this gorgeous tiara is silver and topaz, and was made in France in 1895. The design of the tiara is inspired by Australian Eucalyptus leaves. Take a closer look.
This tiara was featured in the exhibition Inspired! Design across time along with other fabulous fashions.