(Picture -Hair style from www.bhldn.com)
Fashion in 15th century Europe was extravagant. Gowns were designed to swag with draping fabric, and sweeping floor-length sleeves was in style during this time. Renaissance Italy saw hoods and other headdresses that were adorned with jewels and feathered. As Europe grew more prosperous, the middle classes were able to wear the fashions found on the elite of society.
Fashion was largely dominated by the court of the Duchy of Burgundy (1032–1477), whom played a pivotal role in Europe’s politics.
Duke of Burgundy, Philip III, part of the royal family of France, was the ruler of Flanders, Brabant, Limburg, Artois, Hainaut, Holland, Zeeland, and Friesland. Philip became duke of Burgundy, when his father was assassinated in 1419.
Philip III’s court was excessive and extravagant. He often moved the court between various palaces, and held grand feasts and other festivities, and arranged tournaments.
His court was the envy of most of Europe, and became the fore-runner of taste and fashion. Being widely admired helped the Burgundian economy considerably, luxury products became sought by the elites of other parts of Europe. Foreign buyers who once invested in English and Parisian products, started turning towards the Netherlands for the first time.
Women’s Fashions In The 15th Century
Long gowns were considered staples of a womans attire. These gowns were often made with sleeves. The long-waisted silhouette previously seen was replaced by a high-waisted style with fullness over the belly, often confined by a belt. The pregnancy look was in style and fashionable. V-neck lines were cut low enough to reveal the decorated front of the blouse beneath. The gown and blouse below often featured sleeves that fit tight to the elbow. Elastic wasn’t invented back then, so the tightness was a result of lacing or buttons. How uncomfortable! It was later that this fashion fell out of style for a more freeing garment called the houppelande, which was a full robe with a high collar and wide sleeves that remained in style until the mid-15th century. Houppelande robes were slightly altered where the sleeves were snug at the wrist, making sleeve voluminous. Sleeves were very long, often covering half of the hand, and were highly decorated with embroidery.
15th Century Is Making A Come Back
Valentino has released its complete spring-summer 2014 campaign featuring Malaika Firth, Auguste Abeliunaite, Esther Heesch, Ine Neefs and Maartje Verhoef. The girls pose for Craig McDean with styling by Karl Templer. Valentino’s line is romantic with dreamy lace looks inspired by costumes found in the Renaissance. Other designers also are featuring renaissance looks such as Marios Schwab’s fall 2013 collection, Dolce & Gabbana’s fall 2012 collection, and Alexander McQueen’s Fall 2013 collection… See my picks below:
Valentino S / S 2014
Valentino S / S 2014
Valentino S / S 2014
Black-Tone Tear Drop Garnet Color January Birthstone Statement Necklace
$22.95 On Amazon
Rosie Huntington Whiteley Covers Elle UK September 2012 in Dolce Gabbana
Vogue China November 2012 Cover – Natasha Poly
Harper’s Bazaar Spain September 2012 Cover – Guinevere van Seenus
Salt Magazine Fall 2012 – Heather Marks
Valentino Spring 2013 Couture Cape Gown
Alexander McQueen Resort 2013
Pair of boots, Italian, 1550–1650
Schwarzen Rüstung Giovanni Battista Ligoza 1555
Elizabeth Double Feature Both Movies $13 Amazon
Blanchett reincarnates her role as England’s Queen Elizabeth I in two biodramas filmed 10 years apart-first as a young queen nearly executed by her own sister in Elizabeth ( 1998), and then as a middle-aged monarch under threat by an impending Spanish armada (2007). 2 Discs
Actress Cate Blanchett stars in “Elizabeth: The Golden Age”, an Oscar-nominated role, explores the 16th century romance between the “Virgin Queen” and noted adventurer Sir Walter Raleigh (Clive Owen). Michael Hirst teams with William Nicholson to pen the screenplay, and actor Geoffrey Rush returns to the role of Sir Francis Walsingham
Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007)