A group of POC (people of color), who also happen to be historical costumers, have assembled and are planning a virtual symposium for early 2023. The theme, Silk Routes, is tentative and will be finalized after consultation with costumers who will be teaching for the event. Bookmark this page and also the Instagram account @costumersofcolor … More Silk Routes Symposium 2023
Question di Giorno I have three lovely side-laced gamurre that were made for me by Countess Sibilla of Trimaris. I would like to explore how to increase their amazingness by adding a few more period elements to the dresses/sleeves and adding more accessories. I must admit that this is primarily driven by the lavish appearance … More 15th-Century Gamurra Upgrades
My love affair with Titian’s painting has led me to compile research on the style of coat featured in it. I call it the Turkish Venetian coat. The painting is Portrait of a Lady by Titian done in 1555 and housed at the National Gallery of Art in DC. Throughout the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, … More Turkish Venetian Gown & Coat
Two words: side-laced (actually one word)!. This is my new thing, as front-laced gowns do not look that flattering on me. I’ve been looking for information on female dress in the late 15th-century in both Emilia-Romagna and the Veneto. Ferrara is one of my favorite cities, but nearby cities of Rimini, Mantova, and Venice would help … More Feminine dress of the 15th century: Emilia-Romagna & Veneto
My request to attend Terra del Sole has been approved! I wanted to write about my preparation for this event and share all my research into the quattrocento with you. I am attempting to write in both English and Italian so I can share this with the group that is hosting me, La Sparvieri. Let … More Terra del Sole 1387AD – Preparation!
Raucous Royal Reblog: Raucous Royal of the Month, Caterina Sforza: Daughter of Perdition From http://blog.raucousroyals.com/2010/05/raucous-royal-of-month-caterina-sforza.html “…more is always said then the real truth” – Caterina Sforza On August 1483, the 21 year old Caterina Sforza rode up to the Castel Sant’ Angelo as shouts of “Duca! Duca!” cut through the stifling heat. Clad in a green satin … More Caterina Sforza – Daughter of Perdition
I want to take a moment to thank Signora Fabbri for agreeing to this interview. For those of us on the west side of the Atlantic, this may be the first time a modern historian of the clothing worn in 14th and 15th centuries enters into a dialogue with a living history organization. Signora Fabbri is … More Interview With Paola Fabbri: Expert in Historical Tailoring
http://germanrenaissance.net/drawn-thead-work-the-hemstitch-tutorial/ By Genoveva von Lubeck Drawn thread work likely began in the 16th century and was popular in Italy, Germany, Sweden, and England. I discovered it while researching pleated aprons and I theorize that some German aprons utilized drawn thread techniques based on imagery. Drawn thread work can be seen in a simple form on … More Repost: 16th Century Drawn Thread Handkerchief
So now that temperatures mimicking the seventh level of Hades are approaching I thought it might be a grand time to talk about Roman clothing. Done correctly, it is still several layers of foolishness… but if those layers are lightweight linen you’ll fare better in 95 degree weather with 70% humidity. #avoidheatstrokeifyoucan For my basic … More Roman Clothing
Giata’s Late 15th Century Gamurra Introduction My post on early renaissance fashion covers the technical terms for the dresses of the 14th and 15th centuries here. Now, I want to talk more about my first foray into making an outfit entirely on my own. I have never had formal sewing instruction. I walked the path to my … More My 15th Century Gamurra Project I
La Bella Donna 