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[EvilLittleKiss]

Someday when I am better at sewing and can afford to make better projects and use better material, I'd love to make an Empress Sissi dress like the one shown here: http://divainternational.ch/spip.php?article97

However, I'm not sure which is more appropriate, the hoop skirt here, (http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcar...5&cat=1&page=1) or this bustle. (http://www.trulyvictorian.net/tvxcar...0&cat=3&page=1)
Also, what kind of material does this dress appear to have?

[snapdragon]

This painting is from 1865, which means you're looking at an elliptical cage crinoline like the one you lined above or there's also one in http://www.lafnmoon.com/product_p/p112.htm (my favorite bustle/hoop pattern!). Kay Gnagey also sells them completed or in kit form.

I think fabric wise this looks like beaded and embroidered silk net (which is now prohibitively expensive - think $200+ a yard IF you can find it.) I would look for an embroidered organza instead for a similar drape. You could use chiffon as well but it will be much softer especially on that wrap she has over her arms.

Good luck!

[lunaladyoflight]

I've always wanted to do one of these, but I have so many photos saved from the different incarnations of the musical.

[Orochimaru86]

Sissi is wonderful idea but very hard one. But if I can give you advice - check all companies they are making wedding dresses - I mean not those oryginal ones but those smaller who's making oryginal perfect copies - they mostly know how to create this dress effect like Sissi had ) and they are sometimes not so expensive.

[Satine]

Eloptical It's her net shawl that gives the appearance of a bustle but the lines are still triangular rather than squared

If you can get your hands on bridal tulle, the very soft stuff for veils and gown overlays use that. You can embroider net and tulle, and the stars are fairly self repeating. Use silver embroidery thread and then if not enough sparkle add beads, but start with the silver and add the beads. Silk tulle, which this would have been, does not hold hup well to weight of that many beads over time Also the painting suggests the silver is embroidered, so the tulle may well be the over lay not the source of the silver. The skirt definitely has an overlay of plain tulle vs the bodice where the silver is much brighter:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...nterhalter.jpg

Good luck and great taste!

[Mama Austria]

I was drawn to the thread. Ah, Austrian history! It sounds like everyone has given you some great advice for Empress Sisi, so that's great! Might I ask how you plan on addressing her hair and corset? She was so particular!