I've had Norse styles on the brain quite a bit lately, but I'm consciously trying to clear my mind of that. I think 8th-11th c. Britain is a better starting point, with a dose of Romano-British for the "remnant of lost glory" vibe. I'm not at all sure how much PJ/Weta to bring in for the Eldar influence, but it makes sense some Elvish sensibility would shine through in bits and pieces. I don't want to go full WETA, but I do think art nouveau's early stages as a Western adaptation of Japanese aesthetics has some lessons for human adaptation of elvish work.Greg wrote:Might I ask what direction you're going for Dunedain women's clothing? I'm working on the same topic myself, for my wife.
In looking around for inspiration, I found this image by tindarien on DeviantArt, and quite like it:
I'm especially fond of the leftmost design, and I love the mantle! I could swear I've seen the same design in (perhaps Pre-Raphealite?) depictions of medieval Irish royalty, though I can't find the reference now. Regardless, there's an understated regalness to the silhouette I adore.
For Dunedain I'd be inclined however to use more the wools and colors of NW Europe/British Isles than the Byzantine influences tindarien envisions for Gondor. Greens and russets are to my taste, but I think there's lots of room for variation in color. Less so for fabrics: I don't think the Dunedain have much access to silks and brocades of eastern and southern lands. (Though some from elvish connections makes sense.) Generally speaking, I'd expect ornament to be more on the order of woolen embroidery or tablet weaving, fur trims, and metalwork - just because the former are more locally available, and the latter are preserved more easily across the generations. (Ring of Barahir anyone?)
More generically though - I'm curious what thoughts the community has on design elements?
I know we have a few drawings from Tolkien himself. I confess I'm not terribly fond of many of the drawings on the page, but Urthgard's bracer gave me a new appreciation for what they can look like once realized in craft:
I'm starting to play with some ideas for buckles, brooches, and so forth on paper, and should be able to post some sketches sometime in the coming week.
My fella's been making noises about getting into metal casting, and these would be grand introduction into the space. (Plus worst case, there's always Shapeways and a foundry)
Any thoughts from the community?