This month marks the premiere of the final season of the CW Channel's series Reign. Back in 2013, I had the wonderful surprise of being contacted by the  show's talented costume designer, Meredith Markworth-Pollack, who asked if I would be interested in creating some jewelry and accessories for a new historical drama based on the life of Mary Queen of Scots. Set during the 16th Century at the royal court in France, as well as in England and Scotland, Reign's costumes and plot meld fantasy with historical details.

Even though I specialize in bridal jewelry, my designs draw on historical fashion and needle arts, and frequently use metal threads (like those used in the opulent embroideries of the Renaissance,) so it was an incredibly fun project to work on. The costumes were a modern take on clothing from the 1500s, blending together elements from Renaissance and contemporary fashion for a very distinctive look. Meredith would tell me what color palettes she was currently using for the lead characters, and I would send suggestions of designs from my collection for her to choose from, sometimes customizing the color schemes. 

I thought it would be fun to look back at some of the costumes from the past four seasons. Because sometimes designs are only on-screen for a short while or are shown from far away, I've included some detail photos and a bit of information about each piece. Stay tuned for posts on Seasons 2, 3, and 4!

- Episode 14 -

 Iris Comb

This comb is from my Love Sonnet Collection, which was inspired in part by embroidery from the Elizabethan era, the same time period in which Reign is set. I created the floral lace motifs by hand using real gold threads. The three-dimensional flowers are embroidered with freshwater pearls and glass beads. I lined some of the petals with silk tulle for an airy, openwork effect. Hand-wired branches and sparkling crystals complete the luxurious look. (For continuity reasons, I had to create two of these combs for this episode: one of which ended up being covered in fake blood after the character wearing it met an untimely end!)

- Episode 16 -

Sonnet Necklace

This design is also from the Love Sonnet Collection, and, fittingly enough, was worn in a wedding scene on the show. The front of the necklace is embellished with very detailed, stylized roses that I created using lacemaking techniques. I wove together a mix of metallic, silk, and real silver threads to create both the flowers and the leaves. I embroidered the lace with vintage crystals add a hint of sparkle throughout the design. The choker features two rows of large, freshwater pearls and fastens with a silk ribbon bow. The actress Caitlin Stasey shared a behind-the-scenes selfie on Instagram wearing this design:

Morgaine Bracelet

Every once in awhile I like to create something outside of the range of bridal jewelry, and the Morgaine bracelet is one of those designs. It was heavily influenced by Renaissance lace patterns and embroidery. The focal of this statement cuff is a large textile medallion created with vintage black velvet, which I embroidered with vintage crystals and jet black beads. A diamond-shaped lace motif made from luxe, real gold threads decorates the center of the medallion. I wove the metal threads into two smaller lace motifs on either side, which are joined together with links of faceted quartz crystal stones. 

- Episode 20 -

Morgaine Earrings

Megan Follows plays one of my favorite characters in the series, the scheming Catherine de Medici, so I was so happy when I saw her wearing these earrings. They were designed to match the Morgaine bracelet, and feature black velvet medallions embroidered with real gold threads. The threads have a fiber core wrapped in a fine sheet of metal and are made by a European company that has been producing them since the 1700s. The large faceted quartz crystal briolettes on the design catch the light when the earrings are worn. 

All still frames copyright the CW's Reign. Costume Designer: Meredith Markworth-Pollack