Elizabethan and Victorian – Two Golden Eras of Europe

The Elizabethan era keeps a great significance in history. A great social change was taking place in Europe during this period. Renaissance movement was going on, and drastic change among the people’s lifestyle was being witnessed. Art and culture flourished during this period. People ceased wearing the natural-style outfits and the showy renaissancedresses came in the limelight. This was unquestionably a golden era in Europe, which paved the way for another golden era, which was the Victorian Age. Today also, these two eras in Europe provide a lot to the western world, in the field of art, culture and fashion etc.

Elizabethan Era

This was the era of Queen Elizabeth I, the most popular Tudor monarch of England. People were divided into distinct communities; however, the social and economical distinctions were becoming low because of the movement. The people with middle social order were becoming richer. On the other hand, peasant class people were entering in the middle order. Banking sector is said to be started in that era. People started wearing the showy clothing, on the contrary to the natural style dresses of the medieval age. Moreover, scientific revolution also took place. Exploration of the other world was also being done by various voyagers. Besides, a number of great historical figures were born during this period. Shakespeare, the great dramatist of all times, was also born during this period. The influence of the old classics can also be seen in Shakespeare’s literature. Besides, the famous painter and discoverer Leonardo da Vinci also gave his valuable contributions to the society, in the form of paintings and various scientific studies. Some fashion leaders like Isabella d’Este gave birth to renaissance clothing.

Victorian Era

After around two centuries of Elizabethan era, the other golden period started in Europe, which was the period of Queen Victoria.  A lot of progress was witnessed in the industry during this era. Steam engines were invented just before this period. It will not be wrong to say that Europe witnessed another scientific revolution in this era. Moreover, some new trends in the clothing styles were also witnessed. Some of these trends gained popularity in the modern age also, with the addition of several new styles. The trends based on science fiction of the Victorian Era also became popular. The science fiction novels of that era created an alternative world, which overgrew on the film industry, art, clothing and various other things.

There is no doubt that these two golden eras will provide the motivation to the people in coming centuries. Let’s see when we witness another golden era. Tudor was very memorable past in our life want to know more about tudor era's fashion and clothes click here.

Renaissance Wedding Dresses takes in Medieval Style

Gearing up for a medieval theme wedding, a lot of preparation is needed for themed weddings. From costumes of bride and groom to guests, from food to background and from music to etiquettes of people all should be able to reflect the charm and charisma of renaissance magical era. Soon to be bride expects her renaissance dress for wedding to be magnificent attire, appealing, giving the renaissance vibes and make her look outstanding. However in order to get a perfect renaissance style gown you need to put effort otherwise you will end up building castles in the air.

Wedding gowns can be found in shops who deal in bridal wears however it can be happened that such shops of your area don’t carry themed dresses. There is another option of searching for these renaissance costumes. Search for designers who offer custom designing. Custom designed renaissance gowns will have quality fabric with exact measurement, stunning and striking appearance but there is one problem, custom made dresses cost a lot. So, the best available option is to haunt them online. Internet can prove a very helpful medium for finding awesome period dresses. You will be able to find wedding dresses of famous 3Ps. - princess, peasant and pirate online.

Renaissance costumes for wedding available online are on par with the dresses of offline shops in terms of quality and are reasonably priced. You will get the same costume at much lower price. If website from where you are opting to buy dress comes with schemes like discounts and free shipping then it will be icing on the cake, make purchase amount very cost effective. To reach the classism of medieval style your wedding dress must be slim fitted, corset or griddle to support upper part of body and laced in front. Renaissance wedding gowns have embroidery, stitched with threads of gold or silver.

Just look at the few dresses available on internet; I’ll bet they can give a stiff competition to renaissance clothing of any established offline shops.

The Majestic Beauty Gown: This gown is the beautiful combination of nobel surcoat and princess of pearl dress. Surcoat is made from velvet fabric has wide neckline and large armholes with white metallic sequenced lace. Dress part is made from satin material with blue and gold trims. For buttons white pearl are used.

Hildegard Princess Dress: This dress is again made from velvet fabric. The brocade fabric on side panels and puffy upper sleeves make it appear opulent. Drawstring and loops on back are provided for comfort fit. This alluring dress is perfect for your dream wedding.

Lady of Lead Gowns: This elegant piece of cloth is made from soft velvet fabric, has long funnel type sleeves with a cut underneath of which another sleeves of narrow endings are stitched. In similar fashion the skirt part of gown has slit and golden color brocade lace peeped out of it.

Above mentioned renaissance dresses and renaissance costumes for themed wedding are my favorite, you will find a lot more on internet once you start browsing.

A Brief Description on Renaissance Era

1490s is the time when costumes began to acquire a Renaissance look of extravagance in Europe. Even within this framework, different parts of Europe followed different styles. England followed a more mediaeval look in Renaissance dresses than other parts of Europe. Flowing lines, puffed long sleeves, head-dresses, velvet and silk lined with brocade and laces became the norm in aristocratic Renaissance clothes. On the other hand, common people largely stuck to the mediaeval clothing made of wool, coarse cotton, flannel, linen and sheepskin.

In our contemporary times, people following Renaissance sub-culture use these styles and mix them with styles from Victorian era, punk culture and our modern fashions to create a dressing fashion which doesn’t have any boundaries. Dark colours, black and white and some bold colours such as red and maroon, deep blue and purple are used in these clothes. Flowing gowns from the Renaissance style are popular I modern Renaissance sub-culture, though with much less gathers. Laces, trimmings, frills and embroidery are also popular. These are mixed with punk style disjoined clothing and modern sleek lines in outfits.

Pirate shirts formed a unique feature in the Renaissance period. These were characterized by loose and long sleeves, frills and laces lining the edges and neckline, ends hanging till the waist or thighs. These shirts used black, white, brown or grey shades and were made of cotton, linen or flannel. These features have been utilized by the modern Renaissance sub-culture and have been combined with features from other styles, such as splashes of red, blue or yellow and brocade linings. Uneven, zigzag edges, stripes, asymmetrical look are some other features used to mix the traditional Renaissance dress with the punk style. Tunics, coats, cloaks and headgear complete the Renaissance ensemble of modern time. Accessories may include swords.

These swords are often carved and studded with gems and are made in the style of scabbards carried by the warriors and kings in the past. Renaissance sub-culture also recreates the world woven by the English literature, by drawing from the figures described in English literary work.

Mixing these styles creates a fashion of dress without boundaries. People who wear the dresses of this sub-culture give the impression that they can draw from the inspiration of Renaissance spirit and at the same time walk in tune with today’s society. They can experiment and don’t stay within the boundaries of the social norms as prescribes by tradition.

Renaissance Clothing – In Control of Church and Rulers

It was textile industry of Florence in Italy and banking sector who bought revolution in renaissance clothing. These medieval costumes were so popularized that they spread like a wildfire and became a milestone of renaissance period and inspiration for many modern age fashion designers. medieval clothing could be distinguished by short upper garment for men and tend of making close fitting clothes which was opposite to style prevailing during Tudor Era. We can see the numerous images found in historical books, archeological sources and tapestries as evidence in support of fitted clothing.
There was one great way of distinguishing ‘haves’ from ‘have nots ‘- renaissance dresses. Wealth of people and their social ranking was differentiated on basis of garments. Medieval clothing was means of public display – as much of extravagant and expensive outfit you could carry; the higher would be your status. It means even if someone living a miserable life but wearing right attire in an elegant way then the person was socially accepted.
After noticing the growing influence of renaissance dresses church came into play. They criticize latest fashion trend of the era and those who worn it. People who heavily focused on fashion was seen as sinner by church and labeled them as conceited people. Anyone who was wearing renaissance outfits was termed as conceited people because such clothing separate them from others who were perfect civilians, following each and every rules of land in which clothing also included. Preachers and other guardians of society took these acts as a threat to Christianity, a danger for their religion and original way of their living. During the period of 14th century and 15th century laws were created to restrict the flourishing trends of Renaissance costume.
These were created in order to re-establish their position as ruling class. To get control over general public such laws were forcefully implemented. In new laws each and every aspect of clothing was included whether it was cuts, colors or material of fabrics. But the fact was these laws were tools of luxury legislation and made under the influence of church. One such law was passed in England according to which employees of urban craftsmen, grooms and servants could spend small amount of their income on clothing.
Colors were given certain meanings in renaissance dresses so that people could wear them accordingly. For instance green was for love, gray for sorrow, red for nobility, blue for fidelity, yellow for hostility and black and gray for people of lower status. But blue was also a color of adulterous wives in Low Countries. It was an irony that royalties and aristocrats who considered black and gray colors as symbol of sorrow, with the starting of 15th century they started to wear these two colors to show rich embellishing elements on their attires like beautiful embroideries, costly jewelries and other embedded metals and ornate.
Although renaissance costume and renaissance dresses has classicism and left glorious history for us but its rich and colorful part was accessible to fewer people only, others were forced to wear what might be they don’t want to wear.

Manners Maketh the Man, Accessories Maketh the Medieval Man

Imagine a knight without his shining armour and sword. It is like today’s business executive without his smartphone and laptop Inseparable. So when you think of having a fun time where renaissance costumes or medieval costumes are indicated, do not scrimp on accessories and that goes for everything from hats to boots with everything in between.

Manners maketh the man all right, the renaissance age was a fine example of elegance and refinement. Renaissance dress may be more elegant and refined, gorgeous and impressive but medieval clothing and style have impact, especially when you consider a knight’s outfit from head to toe, in figurative as well as literal terms!. Chain mail is not light. A renaissance rapier is fine and dandy, matching elegant manners but a chunky medieval sword generates respect and open mouthed awe. It is one accessory that maketh the medieval man. No marks for guessing why Arnold Schwarzenegger was cast as Conan the Barbarian.

If you are the type that prefers medieval costumes like tunics, capes, chain mail gauntlets, shields, helms, baldrics, vambraces, chain mail armour, medieval sword, visor, medieval helmet and other articles of a knight’s outfit complete with medieval weapons to make an impressive entrance at any party, then go the whole hog and choose all these, perfectly matched from specialist medieval costumes stores online. They are the perfect source for a variety of medieval clothing. Similarly, if you wish to appear as a medieval pirate, forget about sunglasses to give you style. Leave them at home. Dress up like a medieval pirate in pirate clothes and a dashing pirate shirt with matching sash, belt, boots, eye patch and a hat with a feather, gloves and you project a devil may care look. Don’t mess with me. Well, a skull and crossbones or a parrot may be overdoing things a little bit in the accessories department. Besides, not all pirates had wooden legs.

If a pirate or a knight (dark, light or café-au-lait) and his armoury of medieval weapons does not appeal to you then you can always fall back to being Robin Hood and dress up in the typical medieval costume of medieval England, spiced up by the freestyle life of the men in Sherwood forest. Here again you can choose the right accessories to lend an air of authenticity. Robin Hood pants, shirts and hoods are great, but consider the tunic, capes and typical outlaw hats and boots to match and possibly a medieval sword, bow and a quiver of arrows on your back. Who knows mayhap you might just come across a Maid Marion for you at the party.

These and various medieval costumes as well as matching accessories are available in matched sets with options on the accessories to help you refine your look according to your plan for the party or event. One can of course design and compile an ensemble of pirate clothes or a knight’s outfit complete with medieval helmet, medieval sword and other medieval weapons like an axe for unique looks and greater impact. Medieval costumes give you great freedom to experiment and develop your character.

Source all these items from the right online store with a vast collection of renaissance costumes, pirate clothes and accessories for medieval swords to make you the awe-inspiring complete medieval man at a party.

Spectrum of Styles with Renaissance and Medieval Clothing

The Medieval Period lasted from 5th to the 14th century, giving way to the Renaissance. A defined class stucture and rigid laws applied to all walks of life including medieval clothing. Inappropriate clothing resulted in the wearer liable to pay fines. The common class made do with materials at hand while nobility had access to the finest fabrics from around the world. Peasants wore practical medieval clothing like a tight tunic with a rope or leather belt. Higher up the ladder nobility were free to wear clothes according to their rank like fancy robes, surcoats, belts with jewels, hose, robes with puff sleeves and fur trim. Women wore richly adorned, tight dresses usually consisting of a tight form fitting, tightly laced bodice matched with a high collar or low neck dress with a long train finished with a mantle or surcoat. Knights were the military with their unique suit of armor covering an outfit of linen shirt and trousers, woolen stockings and a padded coat. Royalty wore bright, vividly coloured, long sleeved tunics with a surcoat. Ends of the tunic or robe were finished with fur trim and hose and shoes completed the attire. Fancy velvet hats with jewel embellishments were the preferred form of headdress for royalty. Medieval costumes were elaborate and categorized according to classes following strict sumptuary laws.

The Renaissance era was more progressive, paving the way for more flamboyant and stylish renaissance clothing that built on styles of the previous era. While the peasant’s clothing was purely functional, made from available material, the nobility went overboard in the use of fine fabrics like muslin, silk and velvet. Typical Renaissance costumes comprised of long sleeved loose fitting shirts with a short leather or velvet jacket or sleeveless jerkins, sometimes topped off with a flowing, elaborate robe. Bottom renaissance costumes were made up of fitted breeches and cod pieces, stockings and heeled shoes. Renaissance costumes worn by noble women were layered. Over a shift women wore underskirts with a whalebone corset topped by a cone shaped hoop skirt with an embroidered petticoat sitting above it. A ruffled shirt added another layer at the top with a gown overlaying all these. Brightly coloured, embellished and embroidered, the gowns formed the focal point. Leather shoes and embroidered stockings completed the ensemble. Royalty wore similar but more expensive and more elaborately embellished renaissance costumes.

The peasants or gentry did not have much choice; nobility followed set patterns and pirates alone seemed to have the greatest latitude in wearing clothes they could lay their hands on. Today, pirate shirts have an exclusive style and charm of their own with loose flowing sleeves gathered at the wrist and collars to match. Accessories like a tricorn hat, wide sash and belt and a knife stuck in the belt give a rakish air.

Dressing up for a party or a themed event? Choose from a range of pirate clothing, renaissance costumes or medieval costumes. Period clothing has a spectrum of flamboyant styles to show you off at your best. All these are available at stores and online shops where you can pick, match and assemble your gear to perfection at the best prices.

The mark of richness in medieval clothing and tips of decorating your room with medieval weapons

We now live in a highly fashion conscious society, different type of dresses are available here. Medieval clothing is preferred by all and numerous plans to dress like kings and queens from the heritage time. Medieval costumes have a distinct style and fashion of its own, their authentic style, great quality and lavish display reminds us of the costumes that were specifically tailored in accordance with the social background of the citizens.

Renaissance or rebirth was that time in Europe when people enjoyed celebration. It was the time when extravagance and richness dominated the lifestyle. Men loved flaunting pirate shirts and boots while women chose long silk gowns and brocades to charm with their femininity. As mentioned, it was the age of quest men expressed their style not only through their attire, but also with their weapons. Medieval weapons not only reminded us of wars and battle, but also enhance the masculine charm that reminds us of a protector, valor, a knight or a pirate from the dark sea. Today, these medieval weapons have become an important piece of decorative items, and many prefer to choose the medieval helmet of the knights to bask in the lost glory of the era.

Varieties of Medieval Weapons

Today we only have the replica from the original, these are much light in weight and are just used as decorative items on walls and rooms. The most commonly used weapons include medieval helmet, axes, shield, crossbow and armor. These weapons are now crafted in steel and then decorated perfectly to give the look of the medieval age. Medieval weapons epitomize the lavish lifestyle of the age and recollect the glorious past. Few popular medieval weapons that are easily available, includes, a sword, dagger, katana, dirk, scimitar, katana and etc. If you are a collector, you may search through internet and collect these items. You may use these props to decorate your room or enhance your collection. In special theme parties, like “Pirate knight out” or on Halloween Night you may carry these weapons with your fancy costume and make your look more convincing than just fancy dresses.

All about buying medieval weapons

Thus if you plan to buy medieval weapons, you must visit the internet and go through various sites that sell such items. You will be happy to find that the online stores have different types of arms and they do not charge extra while selling. The best part is that, it is easy to buy from a web-store, since they take the responsibility of sending the purchased goods to your house. All you need to do is, just visit the store, then select the items and click to pay the bill. Pay through credit card and get your items delivered at the doorstep within a 7 days time.

It was the time in the history when clothes made the man, man used to dress ravishingly and probably even better than a man dresses today. It was about style and as the law of the time dictated that the clothes must be distinctly expressive about the social class or background he comes from. Adding to this was the quality, fabric, cut, color and materials also helped in identifying the society and his life style. Thus the period dressing accompanied with steel accessories may be chosen by those who dare to be different in the festive time.

Go Ahead to Fulfill Your Dream of Childhood By Women's Renaissance Costumes

In her childhood every girl trust in make believe stories of princess and also believe that they are the princesses of the story. When you grow adult you find these stories far from realities but now no more, you can live your childhood dream of dressing like a princess. Don’t put those stories aside instead take part in costume based events like renaissance festivals or pirate themed parties. Such occasion will give you the ample opportunity to get dressed in renaissance costumes of princess theme.

The most eye catching part of these renaissance dresses are their voluminous structure. Long flowing gowns in various colors and shades, exquisitely designed long sleeves in funnel shape, frills or narrow shape give these gowns aesthetic look. Over to this, these dresses are made from soft materials like silk, brocade and velvet and are much comfortable and fabulous to wear. Detailing is much important for these larger than life size dresses because this thing is the main essence of classic clothing and completes the overall look. Detailing can be done by netting, frills, sequins and belt of colorful fabrics. Such fine work of art set a blend between cloth and its design thus the outcome we get is improved version of costume. In earlier era this type of clothing was only achievable to some small but high profile group of people but now people of any age belonging to any strata can enjoy feel of renaissance clothing.

If you feel incomplete in renaissance after wearing it then that must be a headpiece. It a good idea to wear a matching headgear to dresses like a lady of renaissance era. Numerous things are there to choose for instance hats, crowns, veils and wimple. Your choice of headwear depends on social status of character you want to portray. Also when you order for theses accessories you surly want them to long last that is why whenever you buy them purchase from established sellers whether they are offline or online sellers.

There style are varies in several numbers. You don’t have to settle for what rest are wearing. For varieties internet is best available medium to search for. You can select the design, color and fabric of material in which you are interested and still you will get your own space of individuality, this feature of internet shopping makes it pleasing experience.

Ladies you may have particular character in mind associated with this type of costumes like peasant or princesses but if you want to do something new and much more exciting then how about dressing like a pirate. Who says pirate character must be represented by men only. There were many famous women pirates too like Mary Read, Ann Bonney and Grace O’Malley.

So go and grab your favorite renaissance costumes and pirate costumes. You can make your set randomly also. Get a loose white colored full sleeve renaissance shirt and a loose black colored pant. For accessories golden loop, tricorn hat, a bandana, eye patch, exotic fur and thigh high boots are OK along with dark make-up.

Renaissance Costumes - Renaissance Fairies and Events

Down the ages fashion has been evolving with the invention and development of various fabrics, colors and embellishments. The renaissance age is a glorious celebration of fashion statement, with extravagant and flamboyant styles emerging in this period. The royals and nobles led the brigade, vying with each other to show off their riches and status in the form of renaissance dresses that were made of costly fabrics and furs with rich brocade and lace trimmings further embellished with jewels and feathers. Stand a modern well dressed man next to a fully well dressed renaissance period courtier and he will look like a plain fowl next to a resplendent peacock. It is therefore not surprising that today renaissance fairies celebrate renaissance costume and renaissance dresses, giving people an opportunity to deck themselves in the finest period costumes and have a gala time recreating the gaiety of a time gone by. Hairstyles and head gear had just as much importance as the renaissance costume.
An invitation to attend a renaissance faire or an event with a medieval theme is an opportunity to display yourself at your flamboyant best. You could choose to dress like an Italian prince, a French Noble, an English courtier, a musketeer, a simple commoner or a dashing pirate in pirate clothing. Men and women can dress up and look extremely striking as well stylish in renaissance costumes. Women have a number of choices in renaissance dresses, ranging from a simple peasant dress to an elaborate princess gown with all the trappings and accessories to give a royal look.
Renaissance costumes you choose to attend a renaissance faire or event need not necessarily be made of the same expensive brocades, lace, furs and silks but there are modern versions that are just as striking in looks, color, appearance and feel to help you project the right image. Women will simply love to dress themselves in renaissance dresses with rich brocade, velvet bodice and matching embroidered skirt and sleeves with appropriate accessories or the other equally tempting and stylish options in renaissance dress designs. Among other designs women can opt for a gown and a skirt with a long train, cone shaped topped by a square neckline bodice edged with lace and jewels. Sleeves can be embellished in faux fur. Another choice is the late 1500s style with plenty of ruffs with plunging necklines, wasp waisted renaissance dresses.
When you choose a particular renaissance costume do not forget to accessorize it with the right articles. Arm garters give a unique look to your arms. Wands as well as scepters can add a magical or divine touch to the whole ensemble. Head gear is essential and choosing the right hat to complement your renaissance dress will set it off to a new level. Feathers can add a touch of gay insouciance.
Men can choose to be clad in richly royal renaissance dresses on the one hand or dress like a buccaneering pirate with the right pirate clothing including accessories for a flamboyant look.
There is a vast selection of renaissance costumes and pirate clothes available in stores as well as online and having a perfectly matched outfit sets you up for a perfectly enjoyable renaissance faire.

Online Shopping for Renaissance Costumes

It is very impressive to find the wide array of renaissance clothing to choose from but the situation was not same during renaissance period. People had limited number of options to wear during that era. A single costume was worn number of times and was dirty all because of lack of laundry facilities and poor hygiene. But thankfully this is 22th century and renaissance costumes lovers can choose from the costumes of royal levels to peasants. To create the magic of past one can opt for desired costume from past.

To make a selection from the diverse option seems to be quite a challenging task. Even during festive seasons, it becomes very hectic for every retailer to meet the requirement. After all it is not possible for them to make available their range of costumes at every mall. The problem of locating vendors could be solved if you haunt for the medieval costumes online.

There should be no worry about the look as choices are diverse when it comes to renaissance costumes. If you think, after searching mall to mall you are not getting the product that really maintain balance between quality and cost then leave the old fashion way of offline shopping. Online retail shop would make your shopping experience hazel free. Online retails shops offer very authentic and beautiful rage of medieval clothing with awesome quality of fabric. The quality of products of these retailers is on par with the offline retailers and also available at reasonable amount but they don’t charge less at the expense of quality. Online shopping can prove to be a great money saver as you could save money on purchase and also you don’t need to spend on transport.

So why people have such a craze for renaissance dresses, the reason behind this is many festivities based on medieval theme for instance medieval theme wedding, pirate theme events, Halloween party and renaissance fairs even you can throw a party on middle age theme. All you have to do is to invite your guest in renaissance clothing, decorate the place with medieval theme accessories and order foods that belong to magical era. To increase the level of enjoyment you can organize a play, music and other activity of renaissance period. All above mentioned occasions are a way to show love and respect to medieval era and its al medieval things. Whatever the character you want to portray online shop will fulfill.

Shopping on internet can deliver the exact costume what actually is in your mind from its diverse category. Visit 3 to 4 websites for a single product, this will help you to compare the cost or atleast you will get the idea of product’s price. This action of yours will assist you in acquiring a quality product at an affordable rate. But don’t search on any website blindly, haunt for products only on well know websites like PirateDropship.Com, Renaissance-Outfits.Com and TheMiddleAges.Co.Uk because not many websites could offer you the costumes in terms of options, quality, availability and customer service.

For more information on renaissance costumes and dresses, medieval accessories pirate swords, medieval swords and other replicas we recommend you to visit our website tudordressing.com

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