History Channel’s original series Vikings may be questionable when it comes to the subject of authenticity, but that aside, it’s an engaging drama. I enjoy watching the women of the series stand up and be just as fierce as the men, and Lagertha is especially tough. Cosplayer Vienna La Rouge decided to make a replica of Lagertha’s battledress for Dragon Con last year, and she started planning about three months before the convention. The ensemble features a chainmaille tunic over a blue leather dress and a grey linen shift. She also wears leather and armor braces.

Vienna knew working on the chainmaille would take time so she ordered an already made hauberk from Dark Knight Armory. She was able to take apart the maille and piece it back together to emulate Lagertha’s look. The above photos shows the finished chainmaille tunic body; Vienna explains:

This was before I added the maille shoulder pieces, and had tried it on for fit…and it fit! (whew!)
I left the left shoulder section of maille detached but laced to a small strip of leather. From the closeup photos I had, I noticed this was used. A genius move on the part of the Vikings costume dept., so that way the entire left side of the tunic can open up for ease of dressing & undressing. When put on, that small strip of leather with the shoulder chainmaille piece simply gets tied back onto the rear shoulder section…if that makes any sense.

In case you’re not familiar with the character:

Read more about the research and sweat that went into this costume at Vienna’s blog.