Hartnell's Coronation Dress For Peeresses -- Norman Hartnell's design for the alternative dress to be worn by viscountesses and baronesses not in possession of robes of state complete with coronets and kirtles. (A kirtle is a kind of pettycoat). It consists of a robe of crimson velvet, trimmed with miniver pure, two inches in width. The cape is to have rows or bars of ermine tails, two rows for a baroness and two and a half for a viscountess. The Robe fits the waist and is open to show the dress which should be white or cream with gold or silver embroidery. December 09, 1952. (Photo by Paul Popper).