Sébastien Passot - Costumes

18/04/2026

A good part of my job(s) is studying and working with real clothes, usually from the 16th century onwards. Here is a glimpse of a very small selection of some that I had the chance to handle over the past year and a half.

Mantua in embroidered silk satin, c.1740
Evening dress in silk satin, black lace, c.1895-1900
Cloak in brocaded silk c.1620-30
Doublet in red velvet c.1615-20
Fancy dress in velvet & cloth of gold c.1890
Robe à la française in brocaded taffeta c.1770-85
Wedding dress in silk satin c.1855
Half scale doublet & breeches in pink silk c.1640-50

From the collections of

14/02/2026

Reconstructed undergarments for the interpretation of a seven year-old girl dressed in a 'Robe à la Polonaise'.
Made in 2025 for the Musée des Beaux-arts d'Angers based on a painting in their collection (see a couple of posts previous).

- stitched stays in natural linen.
- 'bouffante' combining a rump and pocket hoops, inspired by a similar example in the Nordiska Museet, Stockholm.
- underpetticoat in striped linen.

It is, of course, missing a linen shift here, which was not yet made when the photos were taken.

The garments are cut based on extant examples, in period appropriate materials, but are mostly machine-stitched.

08/02/2026

Throwback to 2012 with this black silk velvet cloak that I cut and handstitched for Mark Rylance as Countess Olivia in 'Twelfth Night', designed by Jenny Tiramani, played at Shakespeare's Globe, Apollo Theatre, London and Belasco Theater, New York.

It is shown here displayed in the 2024-25 Winter exhibition 'Our Collection by Colour n.5 : BLACK' at the School of Historical Dress, alongside my 1625 Dutch costume.

The silk satin border is pinked with cross motifs. The whole cloak is fully lined with crimson silk, and can be seen fully on the behind-the-scene photo where the cloak is turned inside out and folded to avoid too much dust during the installation of the exhibition.

Despite its overall simplicity, the cloak was made with more than 45 pieces that had to be joined together as each roll of fabric was extremely narrow (and everything was used!)

The cut and uncut velvet gown was made by Luca Costigliolo and Debbie Watson.

Last two photos by Simon Annand and Joan Marcus.

02/08/2025

Latest project, a girl's robe à la Polonaise based on L'aumône by Pierre-Alexandre Wille for the Musée des Beaux-arts d'Angers.

All my thanks to the Visitor Experience Team for their renewed trust and confidence!

More photos to follow.

                                  #1775     

22/12/2024

Happy Winter!

The Ice Princess from 'C'est Tout Pour Cette Nuit!', a collective theatre play based on Michel Ocelot's 'Princes & Princesses', costume design 2013-2014.

Featuring & stage design by Pauline Hersart.

28/11/2024

It is always a delight to (re)discover and help packing these clothes from Alan and Vanessa Hopkins' Costume Trust, of which I am also a trustee. Here are some examples of mens- and womenswear from the 18th century and one striking yellow gown c.1810.

You can find out more about their collection of clothing from c.1700 to c.1950, by visiting https://hopkinscostumetrust.org , where you can also buy the 3 volumes Footwear, Headwear and Waistcoats.

22/09/2024

A c.1650 Dutch lady's gown made earlier this year for based on their portrait of a woman by De Jongh. Pair of covered stays/bodies and petticoat in wool satin, partlet, cuffs and kerchief in fine linen baptist with modern lace imitating 17th century lace.

                                  #1650     

09/09/2024

Firebrand is finally out in cinema in the UK since last Friday!
Here are a couple of jerkins I stitched for Jude Law as Henry VIII, costume design Michael O'Connor. The red jerkin is currently on display in the RED exhibition at The School in London until 13th October.

Jude Law's costumes were made at The School of Historical Dress by the talentedcostumes.et.broderies .colls1
Under the guidance of Jenny Tiramani.

The machine embroideries were outsourced to different makers in UK and Europe.

27/06/2024

25/06/2024

Fabrics for sale!
I'm still destashing some of my stock, shipping internationally from the UK (price does not include postage), payment Paypal or transfer, contact me in DM. You can find more photos and details on my page (link in bio) under photos albums.

STILL AVAILABLE
5. Wool flannel, 430cm / 169" £120
6. Polyester damask, 110cm / 43" £ 12
7. Bouclé wool (width cut, 95cm), 100cm £10
9. Textured silk+CO+WO from Pongees, 380cm / 149", £70 (retail price £45)
11. Thick brushed wool jersey, 170cm / 67" £15
12. Textured silk mix, 5m / 5 1/2 yards, £95
13. Suiting twill (unknown poly mix), 150cm / 58" £15
16. Crushed polyester taffeta, 270cm / 106" £12