Clothing, Early Period (600-1350 AD)

Atlantia A&S Criteria

There are three categories: Early, Middle, and Late Period. Each may be further defined by country. Example: The Italian Renaissance was earlier in terms of years than the English Renaissance, and the Russian followed even later. Early Period is defined as utilizing a geometric pattern layout: e.g., T-Tunics. Clothing is to be a complete piece. It is strongly suggested that judges view the clothing both on and off a person, to examine it fully. The judges may change the Period in which the entry is enrolled if they believe it is mis-entered. However these categories are not to be cross-judged.

Information also available as PDF.


DOCUMENTATION (0-30 points. SCORE 0-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Must have at least “EZ Doc” information. More is acceptable, although one or two pages (not counting visuals and bibliography) should be more than enough. If your documentation is more than three pages for exceptionally detailed and in-depth work, you should provide an executive summary. The best documentation will cover what they did in period, what the creator did in the project, and why the difference (if any). It will explain any conscious compromises made, and provide footnotes, illustrations, and references, as well as any original research or experimentation as it applies to the project. Give score based on the following considerations:

  • A minimum of: what it is, where is it from, when is it from, and references;
  • Materials used in the project;
  • Techniques and tools used during the process;
  • Research (country, period of origin, typical characteristics, etc.), visual references (books, portraits, etc.) from reliable sources;
  • Artistic Design;
  • Clothier’s intent with outfit, (i.e. something a person might have worn in such-and-such a situation, or for doing xx task.

AUTHENTICITY (0-20 points) [SCORE 0-10 and then DOUBLE THE SCORE]:

  • 0-1: Totally inappropriate to time period of category;
  • 2-3: Period elements combined in inauthentic fashion. Inappropriate mixture of times and cultures;
  • 4-5: Good surface appearance, unauthentic elements in design, fabric, color. (ex: inappropriate fake underlayers);
  • 6-8: Authentic in appearance and feel; period colors, fabric either period or very close;
  • 9-10: Authentic in appearance, feel, with special efforts to achieve total effect (special accessories attached to the piece to enhance total look, hand-done embellishments).

COMPLEXITY (1-10 points):

Rank the ambition of the entry, not the workmanship, scale of 1-10 considering the following:

  • Difficulty and variety of materials and trim;
  • Difficulty and variety of design elements and techniques attempted;
  • Difficulty and variety of media, materials, and tools used;
  • Difficulty and variety of embellishments (handwork, etc.);
  • Lining requirements as appropriate;
  • Scope of endeavor ( number of pieces, size of work in relation to amount of detail, etc.).

WORKMANSHIP (3-30 points. SCORE 1-10 then MULTIPLY BY 3):

Rank the quality of execution and success of the entry on a scale of 1-10, considering the following:

  • Handwork on hem and trims; 
  • Special touches in augmentation and trim. Handwork other than hems and trim;
  • Straightness and match of seams, evenness of stitches, technical finishing, construction, neatness etc.;
  • Finished edges, cut and fit;
  • Special touches on augmentation and trim;
  • Neat in appearance;
  • Design aesthetics, proportion, patterns, colors, etc. Does it work together?;
  • Functionality: do pieces do what they’re supposed to do? Will they hold up?;
  • Choice and handling of materials;
  • Extras such as special embellishments or personalization.

OVERALL IMPRESSION (1-10 points):

Evaluate the work as a whole, rating the complete effect and appeal beyond the mere technical proficiency. Consider how you react to the entry (intuitive response) and other items not previously addressed.