Contributions of Medici Family in Renaissance Movement

There is no doubt that a lot of political, economical, cultural and artistic activities took place in the renaissance age. A number of renaissance men and women gave their contributions in the flourish of different fields of art and science. Sculpture, painting, renaissance clothing and there were many other aspects, in which the society progressed. On the other hand, a huge growth had also been witnessed during that period.

Medici was unquestionably one of the big names during that period, whose contribution in the renaissance era can never be overlooked. It was a banking family, a political dynasty and later on became a royal family. Prominent contribution of this family is recognized in the economic growth of the society; however, it has some other contributions also. For instance, four popes of Roman Catholic Church were produced by this family. The popes from Medici family included Pope Leo X from 1513 to 1521, Pope Clement VII from 1523 to 1534, Pope Pius IV from 1559 to 1565, and Pope Leo XI  in 1605. So, this family had a great role in papacy also. Moreover, Catherine de' Medici (1547–1559) and Marie de' Medici (1600–1610) were two regent queens of France, who were from Medici Dynasty. The family also became hereditary Dukes of Florence in 1531 A.D.

Besides, the Medici family gained prominence in the wool trade in 14th century. It will be significant to mention that wool was used in manufacturing the medieval clothing as well as some renaissance costumes. France and Spain were two major centers of the wool trade. Besides, the family also rose to power through its social network with elite families by means of partnership, employment and the marriage of convenience. Some of the big families of that period included Salviati, Bardi, Cavalcanti and the Tornabuoni. The foundation of this family is thought to be done by Averardo de' Medici. His son Giovanni di Bicci created the Medici Bank and became the one of the richest men in Florence. Besides, he gained the good support for introduction of proportional taxing system. His son Cosimo the Elder, Pater Patriae, became the unofficial head of states of the Florentine Republic in 1434. Florence was ruled by three successive generations of Medici in a big part of 15th Century. They altogether abolished representative government, still they clearly dominated it.

Medici is supposed to be one of the contributors in the commencement of proper banking system. Today also, many of the facets of the renaissance age influence the modern age including the banking system. This is the reason why renaissance period is supposed to be the era, which showed the path to the modern times.

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.

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.

Characteristics of Medieval Clothing and Renaissance Costumes

Any person in Tudor era was easily recognized by attire. During those periods every person had to follow the rules (whether rich or poor) imposed on clothing based upon the color and material of fabric. For Royal ladies fashion was important, they were the trend setter, great fashion icon for commoners. Medieval dress had many layers, over all it was a collection of different fabrics and other materials. The designing patterns and fabric used in making of costume were unmatched and at the peak. Let us consider a few peculiar points’ medieval clothing bearing in mind the fabric and designs.
* Materials and fabrics – Medieval costumes of royal and wealthier people were made from the fabrics of silk, satin, taffeta, sarcanet, scarlet and velvet. Scarlet a plain fabric and sarcanet was a form of delicate silk. If colors that give lustrous and rich shades to fabric weren’t available in the region then they were imported at great expense from Middle East countries. Most commonly worn clothes were of silk, satin, tinseled, and silver. They were made from blended fabric or pure fabric with engraved embroideries. Only upper class people were allowed to wear medieval clothing of rich fabric. Commoners were only allowed to use cotton, sheepskin and linen as fabric and black or grey color.
Slashing technique – Limiting fabric and color of costume to a particular section of society lead to the creation of new technique called slashing. This technique was a way of answering to rule makers who imposed restriction over the use of bright colors and luxuriant fabric on lower strata people. A cut was made on the outer surface of cloth from which inner lining popped out and creates a contracting effect. One more method was developed called ‘Pink’ in this method fabric was cut into diamond shape through which inner lining appeared. Picking was more delicate than clashing.
Geometric Shape – Rather than designing dress in natural shape of body, royal ladies chose to go for geometric shape. In order to get desired shape fabrics were quilted or padded and for stiffing, whalebone or buckram was used. To get flat triangular shape corsets were worn under the gown. Wearing medieval dress was difficult process for royal ladies and need atleast two helpers to fit into them but all was endure for the sake of fashion and beauty.
Exquisite Sleeves – Sleeves were the most elaborate part of the medieval costumes. Designed with very fine details they were available in various styles, even in padded form too. Sleeves were separately sewed and attached to main outfit by tying or pinning. Padded wings on shoulder hide the joins of sleeves. Ruffs were added part of collar and sometime around cuffs also.
Tudor style of dressing had great degree of impact on renaissance costumes during later periods. Long voluminous dresses with funnel shaped sleeves and same old rule on clothing were derived from Tudor period. But the situation was not same for pirates. Pirate clothing was became more flamboyant and many new addition were introduced.
Medieval clothing of Tudor period and renaissance costume were almost had same approach in terms of fabrics and patterns with little changes designs.

Elegance Looks in Renaissance Costumes

Renaissance costume had some really interesting designs for both men and women; the designs were more of lavish as well as sophisticated. Furs and silks were mainly used as it depicted luxury and status. It was kind of showing of one’s social status through means of clothing. It is generally believed that fashion came into existence with the era and nothing like style or trend was seen before this. Initially these renaissance clothes restricted the movement but later it changed eventually. Layers were generally preferred and women costumes included skirt, vest, bodice, collar and an underskirt. Men’s wear consisted of coats and clothes that gave a square look to man’s body. Lots of padding was done to make the shoulder broader. They also wore long tunics which went down to the knees. Men’s fashion focused on material that had a bold look, long sleeves were preferred, tight body garments, brimmed caps and leather jackets.

Pirate Clothing also gets its emergence during that phase and people still follow it. It is one section of clothing that fits well for both the genders and it is gaining popularity in social events and Halloween parties. These costumes are getting a huge come back and you can even get them at local stores at a very low price or even on sale. When thinking of buying pirate clothes, pirate shirt is a must and you need to accessorize it with chains, rugged piece of cloth and eye patches. On for your special occasion if you really want to impress people by your pirate look the look is incomplete without a trendy pirate hat. Renaissance clothes are generally loose-fitted clothes, and there is a lot of variation in it. With growing fashion you can add the latest accessories to enhance the pirate or the renaissance look. Color variation varied for whites to blacks and dark brown. If today you want to try the same look, choose a pant that is two sizes bigger.

With the influence of today’s you can complete a pirate look or your Renaissance Clothing with a smartly tied bandana on the head, silver loop earring and a sword. Today you can buy all these clothing and suitable accessories online and have a changed look on your special occasion. Kids very much prefer this look for their school functions and birthdays party moreover this is a hot favorite theme for adults. Some fun loving couples experiment with the pirate look or renaissance costume on their weddings as well.

Wearing Renaissance Clothing and Pirate Clothing has always been a matter of prestige during that era and it continues even today. You feel like kings and queens and women specially flaunt their figure on the occasion they wear those fitted gown that enhances their beauty.

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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