Research, design, draft & construct a historical costume from any period pre 19th century. I wanted to create a costume that I would be able to wear (even part of it) again I had been looking at Victorian riding jacket, but found references to the “Redingote” in the late 18th Century.

Originally, the redingote was a coat which was used out of doors. In the early 18th century it was a bulky type of clothing; this is typical of a fashion which was originally adopted by women for its practicality's sake - and then evolved.

It was not until the last two decades of the 18th century that the redingote gown became a fashion statement in itself. By this time it was closely fitted to the waist. As with a good deal of ladies' garments it was inspired by men's fashion.