Wintermark costumes

Look and Feel

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Similar nations

The Wintermark shares close trade connections with their neighbors in the Marches: with grain and wealth comes influences on fashion. Among those with the money to spend on decorative clothes more tailored fashions are seen, with women in kirtles laced closer at the waist and hips and longer hem lines.

The Wintermark's ancestral ties to Varushka (is this true? I thought i read it somewhere) can be seen in their similarities of costume. Both nations most commonly wrap their trousers to the knee although Varushkan baggy trousers are seen as rather flamboyant by Wintermarkers. Tunics of varying length and decoration are the staple of both nations. In the Wintermark theses are normally pulled on over the head but Varushkan styles are commonly open at the front and asymmetrical or diagonal-cut. The Wintermark do not share Varushka's love of mixing bright primary colors. Hats are common in Varushka but winter folk favor hoods. Men and women of the Wintermark are frugal and practical and are more likely to wear leather or fur layers or other materials that are hard-wearing and sensible for their harsh climate.

Practicality in clothes and armor is something the WinterFolk share with the Navarre. Their well used leather armor is often similar. Kavalessi mystics may also be occasionally mistaken for a Navarre blood Mage, however the latter do not wear animal headresses and do not believe in evoking animal spirits

Research

Historical inspiration: Saxon is the main historical influence but most things from the roman exit through to mid 13th century should be suitable as change is minor during this time. Try to avoid anything iconic of Vikings alone as this is not a key look for the Nation and the WinterFolk are neither seafarers nor raiders. Thor's hammer is a well recognized religious symbol that does not exist in Empire and should not be used. 'Viking' hero pants are more suited to Varushka. Iron age costume is also appropriate - particularly for the Kavalessi. Plaid can look good but be careful not to stray into the realms of tartan which is not acceptable. Kilts in any form did not exist in our own history until the Jacobean era and should not be worn.

Lord of the Rings Rohirrim The armor of Rohan is perfect for the Steinr. Leather armor, sometimes with metal plate, is layered over chain and occasionally scale. Gimli's armor follows similar lines and is also appropriate. Theoden's clothes are a perfect example of a wealthy Wintermarker. Caution when copying Eowen's dresses as some of these are more typical of other nations. The white dress with corsage (tight vest laced at the back) is a great example of a wealthy woman's dress. However, the scoop-neck velvet green gown belongs in Dawn, the side-less surcoat perhaps in the marches and her funeral gown might be worn in Highguard.

(i have pictures for here)

Game of Thrones The snow-coats of the wildlings are great for Suaq hunters and inspiration for the feel of the wintermark can be taken from the night's watch and Starks.

(i have pictures for here)

King Arthur 2004 Inspiration can be taken from the Saxons in this film. In general the Picts less suitable. Bors leather armor looks great and if layered over chain might be perfect. Tristan and Gawain's armor has the right feel but plate mail and brigandines are not central to the look.

(i have pictures for here)

Beowulf and Grendel 2005 (I need to write something but I havnt seen it yet)

Jade warrior (I havnt seen this one yet either)

Skyrim Skyrim successfully mixes fantasy with norse inspiration. In particular the norse layered leather armour would look excellent for the wintermark. The leather corsets worn by many of the women are not sufficient as armour and horned helmets should not be worn.

(I have pictures for here too)

In detail

Breakdown of each garment worn, typical layers and fabrics for each

links to patterns, shops, traders etc.

Good substitutions for each garment

Specifics

Costuming high, middle and low status character

Men/Women/children in each category?

What you can achieve at different price brackets? (thinking of doing something along the lines of the Odyssey £30 kit challenge maybe Daisy and Jude!)

Hats and outerwear

Examples, materials, patterns etc.

Bibliography

Both an online “would you like to know more!” and a guide to the amazing books you can get on amazon.

Nation specific garment

Possibly – if we can think of something suitable for each nation!