Monthly Archives: March 2013

William Shakespeare Wore Elizabethan Clothing And Wore It Well

When you are imagining the Elizabethan Era you would remember the elegant and beautiful garments that William Shakespeare wore.  Think about those insanely high collars that practically surrounded one’s head.  This was an era when fashion was taken to the extreme.  Remember the padding in various areas that made the body look contorted? That was […]

Renaissance Clothing for Women: The Right Clothes Make All The Difference

It won’t be long and Renaissance fairs will be popping up all over the place. If you’ve ever been to a Renaissance fair, you know exactly what to expect. Those who attend go all out, wanting to impress everyone else with unique and creative costume ideas. You’ve probably seen people walking around who weren’t in […]

Authentic Pirate Clothing: Breaking All the Laws

Most of us who have seen Pirates of the Caribbean associate pirate clothing with a tricorn hat, a full but ragged coat, earrings, eye patches etc.  To what extent are these stereotypes true?  Do they represent authentic pirate clothing or were pirates generally a more sedate bunch than we imagine? Motley Crew This is one of […]

Complete Your Winter Wedding Ensemble With a Fur Cloak

You’re planning the wedding of your dreams and you’ve chosen a winter theme. Of course, like all brides, you want to select a unique wedding outfit that reflects your style and personality. There are so many possibilities for accessorizing your gown, especially if you want to pursue a medieval theme. Think of luxurious items such […]

Renaissance Clothing: More Than an Experiment in Extravagance and Beauty!

As the Renaissance took hold, various countries assumed leadership in the production of fabrics and techniques that found expression in the spectrum of Renaissance clothing. Italy, particularly Florence, led the world when it came to producing fine woolens. Top guilds such as the Calimala dyed and finished fine woven cloth of high artistic merit. The […]

Renaissance Outfits Have Their Beginnings in Rome

Rome was the center of the world for seven hundred years. “All roads lead to Rome” is a phrase that resonates with truth in our culture. Every day we see and say remnants of the culture that has done more to influence Western Culture that any other on record. Although the dress of men and […]

Medieval Fashion Was More Than Just Something To Wear

When we imagine medieval times, we think about knights and princesses, dragons and jousting and all the beautiful clothing made of velvet and leather that the people wore.  We have seen medieval-style clothing in movies and on television since we were children.  We remember those knee high boots the men wore and the sleeves that […]

Medieval Costumes: Symbolic Meaning in a Knight’s Fighting Equipment

When we think of medieval costumes, one of the first images that come to mind is that of the knight gearing up for battle. People of all ages enjoy donning costumes and strapping on the gear these brave heroes wore. A fair or any even where people are wearing knightly garb provides an excellent opportunity […]

Renaissance Clothes: Advice From The Cap’n For This Year’s Festivals

Aarrgghh! Spring has sprung, me hearties! And with the glorious weather come renaissance festivals of all sorts. Don’t ye worry yer head none ’bout what yer gonna wear this year. The Cap’n is here to point ye in the right direction. After all…I have yet to come across a buried treasure that’s slipped through me […]