The Very Merry Seamstress is a company that makes historical costume accessories, and some of their offerings might confound you.
We can take any historical portrait and reproduce a customized Elizabethan whisk, rebato, underpropper or supportasse for you. We work with historical reenactors and theatrical companies to provide only the highest quality accessories for your Elizabethan needs.
Our wisks are constructed with sturdy - yet easily shaped copper wire, bound at cross-points with wire thread. Wisks are covered with your choice of sheer crystal organza in any color or with sheer silk, if you require a period correct whisk. The edges are hand-bound and covered with starched Venise lace. We can add pearls, beads or any other type of embellishment you may need.
Our rebatos are made the same way out whisks are made and are hand-shaped with copper wire, bound at cross-points with wire thread, covered with silk and starched lace.
Our underproppers and supportasses are not as decorative, since they aren't as visible as whisks and rebatos. They are padded and stiffened with sturdy buckram slats, designed to hold your large ruffs in place.
What does all that mean? Relax, wisks, rebatos, underproppers, and supportasses are all types of Elizabethan fashion accessories for the neck. Each one is explained with pictures. Until now, you didn’t even notice they were different, did you? Elizabethan ruffs have their own page. -via Metafilter