Ever After Costume Research

Royal blue velvet gown (from the sheen, probably silk velvet), floor length with slight train. Silhouette is similar to her Pink Brocade Gown - low empire waist, scoop-square neckline. Full skirt pleated evenly into empire waist. Gold rope cording ties around empire waist with short tails (picture #3-5). Hint of white chemise at neckline and sleeve cap (see picture #19). Also, we know the chemise is floor length, as it is seen when Marguerite holds up her skirts while descending the stairs to go to the ball (picture #2). This probably means that the gown and chemise are separate pieces, not a one-piece with movie cheats.

Interesting sleeve detail. In silhouette, they're very much like Jacqueline's Horse Gown - very full bishop sleeves in dark blue patterned brocade (seen best in picture #3, compare to Jacqueline's here), gathered to the wrist and trimmed with gold (picture #20). They're probably attached with dark blue cording at sleeve cap - since we can see a hint of chemise at the top of the sleeve, these patterned brocade bishop sleeves are probably a second set of sleeves like Jacqueline's Green Brocade Gown, meaning there is possibly another set of narrower velvet sleeves that were meant to be interchangable (all speculation though since we never see the dress outside of the masque). However, further examination shows that the brocade sleeves are actually slashed and trimmed with gold. See unedited images (picture #10, #12) and graphics (picture #11, #13). Red arrows: The edges of gold and the dark 'spots' between. It's hard to tell what is shown when the brocade sleeves part - possibly the chemise sleeves but the poor lighting makes it very difficult to say for sure. Yellow arrows: The slashed brocade has parted and 'bows' outward from Marguerite's arm.

In back, Marguerite has some type of cape/cloak made out of peacock feathers (picture #7-8). The cloak is nearly floor length and is seen only for the briefest of moments when Marguerite's back is turned as she leaves for the ball. The feathers are probably hand-basted onto a base fabric for stability, but the entire cloak moves quite stiffly due to the weight of the feathers.

Multitudes of peacock feathers attached at scoop neckline, trimmed with pearls and sprinkled with various crystals. It's probable that the collar is actually removable, for easy cleaning and storage. Most likely attaches with silver ribbon at the front neckline - looks almost like a prayer ribbon. See unedited image (picture #15) and graphic (picture #16). Red arrow: Gap between collar and dress where collar attaches at neckline. Yellow arrow: Silver ribbon that secures collar to dress? Image is clearer on the right side (Marguerite's left), but a bit of silver can also be seen on the mirror left.

Jewel encrusted headdress in curved ‘V’ shape with more peacock feathers at top join. The headdress has two curved wire pieces that are attached to the back and extend further on the head, keeping the headdress from wobbling side to side (picture #17-18). Attached to these gold wire pieces is sheer gold ribbon which wraps around Marguerite's head and is tied into a bow at the base of her neck (picture #19), securing the headdress in place.

Her hair is twisted into a bun on the back of her head, then wrapped with small braids (picture #17-19). She carries a full face mask with handle, all in gold (picture #4-6 and #20). Her shoes are dark brown or red leather(?) - they don't seem to match her dress, as would be expected (picture #2).

Thanks to the cosprop.co.uk concept sketches, we know for certain that the vast majority of the costumes in Ever After were inspired by historical paintings, e.g., Danielle's Princess Gown, Danielle's Blue Library Gown, Jacqueline's Green Brocade Gown. We've been able to identify many of the paintings seen in these concept sketches, but since we don't have sketches for each costume, we have to speculate for some. Though we've been unable to find historical reference for Marguerite's Peacock Gown, note it's similarity in style to her Pink Brocade Gown with the scooped neckline and enormous sleeves. Headdresses were definitely worn for masques, so the peacock feather decoration is certainly feasible (see Jacqueline's Masquerade "Horse" Gown for more information on animal headresses and related references). Know of any paintings with similarities? Email me.