Getting dressed in the 15th Century

The details of daily life are what fascinate me about the past and constitute the primary driver behind my near obsession with history. Clothing plays a major role in all of our daily lives now, but in the Middle Ages and Renaissance, fashion served a greater function than merely clothing our bodies and protecting us from the elements: it acted as the visible symbol of a family's "honor" and reputation, displaying their intangible wealth and power in a way that was extremely tangible. So here is a video that illustrates all of these symbolic layers from the skin out, specifically for a Florentine ensemble from the 1480s, demonstrating how each layer is donned, discussing what went into their construction, and presenting tidbits of cultural nuance - a window into the past. Enjoy!