A Blue Catherine

Deborah Kerr portrays Catherine Parr in "Young Bess" from 1953 in which she wears this gown. The bodice, the sleeves and the skirt are all made from a silver damask with a blue/grey shine.The petticoat and the pieces above the neckline are black - an unusual colour since black was only worn when in mourning. The neckline of the bodice is adorned with silver and a dark gemstone - possibly sapphires or onyxes. The opening of the sleeves are lined with grey fur and gives way to black voluminous puffed sleeves with peaks of white linen. From the waist a simple kirtle in silver discreetly slim-lines the look.