Italy

Quattrocento avaItalian ladies in the 15th – early 16th century often wore rather curious and comfy dresses called gamurra (camora, zupa, etc – there were many names for this garment in different regions of Italy) and giornea. The most interesting feature of a gamurra is its detachable sleeves and of a giornea – its split sides with the bottom dress peeking from underneath. These dresses are the trademark of the Quattrocento period in European fashion history.

Lace collar avaPunto in aria lace is considered the first true lace because it was meticulously created by a needle from thread, not a cutwork on a woven fabric. This lace technique derived from a reticella technique. Both are Italian and were used to create masterpiece collars, trimmings, and other elements of festive clothing. And both look astounding – so airy and delicate. Even by today’s standards, reticella lace and punto in aria lace are beautiful and skillfully made.

Italian dress avaLet’s look at a 16th-century Italian-style dress and hairdo. The outfit is modern, but it’s a rather accurate replica of garments depicted in a 16th-century book by Cesare Vecellio. We’d like to show you the process of dressing in a 1500s costume and teach you how to make a period-accurate hairstyle. Sometimes, tiny details determine the period – like where the braids are pinned around the head or how the sleeves are tied/sewn to the bodice. If you want to make a good replica of the 16th-century dress for a party or medieval arts fair, pay attention to details.

Quattrocento avaThe clothing in Quattrocento and Cinquecento periods differed from each other much, but also, it had a lot of similar features. The traditional garments worn in Europe in the 1400s-1500s made a great influence on world fashion and even on modern fashion trends and ideas. Modern fashion designers today sometimes use terms like “Quattrocento palette” or “Quattrocento hairstyle”. Have you ever wondered what that means? Let’s find out together.