nuranar | Medieval Princess Leia is a go!

I wasn't sure about this idea at first, but now I'm so excited I can't handle it.

jenthompson started it (as usual) with doing Edwardian Kylo Ren (aka Kylo Jen). koshka_the_cat has made noises in the past about how much Bespin Leia can resemble a Regency dress with an overdress - and she's finally going to do it now. And I'm going to do a medieval version of the classic white Princess Leia.

(All of the Star Wars pictures are from Padawan's Guide, via my Pinterest, with credit. padawansguide, if you want me to handle differently, just let me know!)

I know just enough about medieval to be dangerous, but I've always loved the lines and the kooky headwear.

Thanks to padawansguide's awesome site (where else would I go?), I realized that the gown's basic T-tunic shape is perfect for a medieval adaptation. Add gores at center front and back and the sides and it's a sleeved surcote.

The trick with this sort of project is deciding where to be period-accurate, where to be screen-accurate, and how to blend them everywhere else. So far I'm thinking:

* Period boots. These are actually the ones I got for Maid Marian - they now come in white. What are the odds??

* Screen-accurate belt.

* Modern poly jersey material. First because I'm not buying that much white linen or (especially not) white wool; but also because the appearance is so different.

The biggest thing I'm undecided about: The hair/headdress. At first I thought I could do the double bun style with silver nets over them = perfect combo of the two. But in my quick 'n' dirty Internet "Research" I found that there's little-to-no evidence of the two little side nets that are reproduced all over Pinterest. From effigies and busts it seems that it's actually a single net, which covers most of the head, and is dressed over "templar" braids at the side of the head.

So... THAT is interesting. And a real dilemma.

Option 1: Go with the single large caul. This works particularly because her hair really isn't just two coils over the ears; they are very large, and wrap around her head almost to the center back. Another view.

Also, from the front the effect is still pretty much the same. But I would use materials and trim that are very not medieval. Like flat metal bands similar to the belt pieces, and possibly small button blanks in place of pearls/beads.

Drawbacks: Potentially more difficult for people to recognize as either medieval or Leia.

Option 2: Do the two separate nets/crespinettes. They're easily-identifiable as generic medieval to most people, and there's certainly a lot of good reason for Leia to wear them! Still in silver, and larger, but maybe with glitzier silver netting (like Christmas ribbon stuff).

Drawbacks: I know it's not right!!! (Weird thing to worry about when I'm using poly jersey, but It Matters.) And I really like the look of the BIG ones that she actually has, not Padme's bitty nets.

It's late, eek. Maybe I'll solve it in my dreams. ;)