Renaissance brought a new dawn in the life of European people. Began in Italy and spread in rest of the Europe, it was a cultural movement which went on influencing philosophy, literature, music, art, science, religion and various other aspects that assist life of wealthier people as well as commoners. In short it was the period of awakening – a period when people started making intellectual inquiry. During those days scientific and civil both kinds of development happened giving rise to early modern age around seventeenth century.
Social life of people changed drastically during renaissance period. And out of various other things renaissance costumes too underwent changes. In the beginning it was still under the influence of Tudor rules and feudal structure of society however with the passage of time many variations and completely new versions of dresses were added to the existing. The most amazing part was Industrial revolution due to which instantaneous alteration happened in the life style of people. Earlier commoners were under the pressure of forced law which told them what to wear, eat, use etc. but by the end of this era people were allowed to enjoy the kind of lifestyle as long as their wealth permitted them, they were free from forced laws on luxuries.
This era is still remembered and celebrated in the form of renaissance festival across the European and American countries for its contribution to unparallel cultural and traditional bonding and happiness. This was the time when industrial revolution was taking its baby steps so its fashion had to be unique and exclusive. Invention of sewing machine led to more complex form of men’s and women’s costumes. In men’s wear internal padding and interfacing became popular on the other hand women’s clothing were getting more and variations in the form of ruffles, petticoats and other decorations. The make and design of dresses were so sumptuous that they are still worn for flair, elegance and magical experience. Renaissance gowns of women with modern twists and turns adorn them in evening parties. Authentic sixteenth century apparels grace the themed weddings, events and ren-fairs.
Today renaissance dresses are accessible in numerous sizes, styles, colors and fabrics. Anyone wearing the beautiful outfit of bygone era will surely stand out from the rest due to its classic designs. They are more suitable in projecting the charm, glamour and beauty on various occasions because these sixteenth century dresses are made from superior quality of fabrics such as silk, velvet, satin, brocade and other extravagant clothing materials.
People of those periods used to wore renaissance clothing according to the social ranking however in the modern world everyone is free to acquire whatever the dress one likes. If your budget permits, nobody can stop you from buying the dress of your desire. However these period costumes lack the feel of completeness without accessory. Head dresses and jewelries draw the attention of viewer to the facial charm and expression of wearer. For perfect finishing appropriate footwear complementing main outfit are best.
article published by renaissance-festivals.com
During the renaissance period, rich and wealthy people of the town wore highly decorated renaissance clothing which used to be hand crafted by many proficient workers using highly expensive fabric for embroidery to design an expensive and highly decorated renaissance dress. Costumes of those period were the symbol of one’s status, they not only indicates the wealth but also position of people in the society.
Dark age or called it medieval age was full of stories about dictatorship of rulers, myths, legends, harsh living condition of poor peasants, cruelty and deaths due to epidemics. It was the longest period in the history of western culture and lasted till 1000years from 5th to 15th century, rise with the fall of Roman Empire and ended with the beginning of renaissance era. There were few aspects which distinguished the life in medieval Europe. Classical learning of roman era was vanished during this age and reintroduced in renaissance age. The barbaric way of ruling people strengthened and the idea of exclusive religion prevented the formation of secular society.
Clothing is one of the most significant features of any culture. They depict the sense of belongings and act as the source for cultural right for mankind since the beginning of human civilization. The same sense prevails within the people of European and American countries when it comes to medieval clothing, after all these period clothes are the cultural heritage alongwith other vital developments of middle age. The essence of clothing remains same but not the fashion, from Roman to medieval age to renaissance era vital changes had been done in costumes.
Atleast once in a lifetime people should take participation in renaissance festival. It is the occasion of happiness, historical reenactment and spending time with friends and family or one can enjoy it alone. Afterall we do not get to see the bright and vibrant renaissance dresses, food and background based on the theme of renaissance era every day. Behind this celebration there is long history of civil and scientific reforms which took place in that period whose fruits we are still reaping.
For the people who are in practice of attending ordinary parties and events may find the renaissance festivals a different concept. However in an age when century old things making a comeback and are appreciated by larger section of people then why not we celebrate such festivals with a great zeal. Many things are reinvented and reintroduced as they were or with a little modification in them to retain the aura of past. Revival of past fashion and tradition brings the vastness in cultural values and lifestyle of people. Aside from these aspects, the themed fairs like renaissance festivals provide the opportunity for people to gain knowledge about their glorious past.
Renaissance era covers a huge part of medieval history from 14th to 17th. During this time numerous developments happened in the field of science and living standard of people. As far as life style is concerned renaissance clothing was one of the main features which affected the people socially and economical yet they were magnificent in their approach and style. Costumes of that period was embellished with fine details and stunning combination of colors and shades in the fabric like silk, velvet, brocade, cotton, wool etc.