Made of lace and ribbons over a framework, a commode was worn on top of this in the late 1600s
In 
England, the style was popularly known as a 'top-knot', versions of which were 
worn by ladies .... FONTANGE During the late 1600s and early 1700s, variations 
of the ... a towering array of ribbons, pleated lace, and frills over a wired 
understructure at... [DOC] [TLE] THART 155 Study Guide (2013-14 Dexter) - Instructor Dexter at ... [PAR] May 2, 2014 ... For civilian dress, late 18th century; used earlier for military dress.