Envisioning Wizarding Robes -Thoughts & Links

[Steve]

--- In HPFGU-OTChatter at yahoogroups.com, "elady25" <imamommy at s...> wrote:
> 
> OK, I am a somewhat talented seamstress, and would love to sew some 
> wizarding robes for the book and movie releases this year.  However, 
> I am still having trouble envisioning what they look like, so I turn 
> to you, my fellow fanatics.
> 
> ...edited...
> 
> imamommy


bboyminn:

If you search the internet (google) you can find costume shops that
will have picture of modern interpretations of robes as well as
historically accurate costumes. In addition, you can find website that
 are dedicated to period costumes, some even have hints on how to
construct the clothes.

There are three basic robe styles to the best of my knowledge.

1.) Classic pull-over monks robes with or without hoods.
2.) Fancy pull-over robes, like monks robes, but fancy satin, velvet,
etc... material. Usually a little more flowing
3.) Open front robe - which oddly can be open or closed, very similar
to a bathrobe, floor length or near floor length.

I think the Monk's type robes are probably closer to what the school
robes should be, but they have probably been somewhat modernized to
use more practical and comfortable fabrics. I suspect the school robes
have hoods. 

The Fancy Pull-Over Robes are similar in design to the Monk's Robes
but of course, are made from silk, satin, velvet, or other nice
quality fabric. They probably are a little more full both above and
below the waist; fuller fit, fuller 'skirt'. By contrast, to some
extent, I think the school robes drop straight down from the hips to
the floor. 

Open front are in two types, one that is closed with a sash, and the
other is more open front and close to a fancy full fitting floor
length vest. This would be an over-robe; for a woman, it would be worn
over a matching or complimentary floor-length dress. The vest-robe
could be with or without sleeves. Again, especially because it would
be worn over a robe or dress, it would be very full cut. 

The open front is very similar to what we seen Dumbledore wearing in
the movie scene where they find the pertified cat (if my memory serves
me). The monks robe is closer to what we see Dumbledore wearing in the
Prisoner of Azkaban movie. 

Both the open front and closed front would be similar to what we see
high-society or Royal citizens wearing in China and Japan. Again, it
may be a robe on top of a robe; a sash closed robe covered by a
vest-type robe.

Remember that back in the very ancient good old days heating really
sucked, so people used to dress in layers which account for the robe
over robe situation.

Here is one sample of both an open-front and pull-over costumes for
boy wizards.

http://www.costumesinc.com/c175_g1039/Wizard_Costumes__Sorcerer_Costumes.html?&User_ID=9297621&st=1445&st2=83685746&st3=51902451

Red on the left is a separate hat and robe, note the exaggerated
collar and wide sleeve opening. Center in black and gold is a costume
the is somewhat like a common silk or satin bathrobe with just a trace
or Oriental influence, less exaggerated sleaves and a hood. Far right
in black and red; note the exaggerated hood and sleeves as well as the
 enhancements around the neck. I think a tamer less exaggerated
version of the black and red would be very close to what the School
Robes should look like.

Here is an example of the vest-type over-robe I spoke of, this is
modeled on a man by women wore similar robes.

http://alexanderscostumes.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=75&products_id=609

Here is a link to Monk and Priest robes; Monk is near the bottom.

http://anniescostumes.com/nun.htm

Here is a link that might give you some hints on men's wizard robes. I
suspect you just 'girlie' is up a bit for a witch. Also, note how they
are dressed in layers.

http://www.authenticwardrobe.com/Wizards_Witches/wizards_witches.html


I've been trying to search out group links because I know we've touch
on this in the past, and somewhat recently, but Yahoo search is
tedious at best.

I did manage to find this one from way back in October 2002 -
Date: Wed Oct 23, 2002 
Subject: Robes and other Clothing
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/HPforGrownups/message/45724

Which contains these productive links-
http://www.costumegallery.com/research.htm
http://moas.atlantia.sca.org/topics/clot.htm

For what, it's worth we had a nice long discussion on medieval sword
technology around that time too.

I'm sure there are some more recent links, but it's late and I'm
running out of steam. If I find more, I post them.

Steve/bboyminn