Sorry been sick so I'll be jumping around. RH has men's 1490 short doublet and hosen (NOT TIGHTS) The hosen do not fit that tight. Also, the older the male the less likely he will just be wearing the short doublet. RH509 Florentine (as oppose to Venetian) This is the basic gown worn by all classes. You will find front, side, or side back openings which will give you some variety there. There are sleeve variations, some tie on, others partially sewn in and others sewn in. Upper sleeve seam is usually sewn closed but sometimes it is open and tied...... Lots of sleeve variations. Is there more to the theme then Italian? How period to fantasy? Are you wanting nobility or middle class/merchants? The first can be bedecked in rich fabrics and patterns, the latter in colors and stripes. Red is a favorite color of most Italian city state folks. Middle and lower class did not only wear earth tones. You can get grand with simple as much as you can with glitz. MMiscellania are not my favorite patterns. They short cut and sometimes make thing more complicated then needs be. RH patterns are not for the novice sewer but a good start. Florentine, you are looking at a simple fitted bodice with the waistline about 1/2" above the waist. Gathered or pleated skirt consisting of rectangles. The sleeves are fitted and usually has a back seam but under arms seams were done. The bodice is usually lined and most likely has an inner lining. Skirts were lined but you don't have too. Note: the chemise/camicia is not floor length. There are paintings that look like chemises that are near floor length and sometimes of color but that is under debate as being an actual gown and not a chemise. Currently, drawstrings are very rare. Must be made of cotton for dancers, no polyester as they need some breathability in their costume especially if the outer layers are not cotton. Sleeve should be long not wide, usually to the wearer's finger tips for the puff in the back seam area. The puff and slash in the sleeves should be part of the inner lining instead of the camicia, especially for dancing so that the puffs stay in place. Sometimes you will see in paintings of the period another kirtle over the basic, this is usually of a fancier material. The over gown (giornea) is worn over the basic or the basic and secondary kirtle. Unless the dances are slow and formal, like a pavan(?sp)the outer gown is not an option or if for a slight costume change for a slow dance then it would work. There are several styles of giornea and only the upper to noble class wore these. There is a theory that these were equal to a coat/cloak.
Pearls, bezants, beads, faceted beads, faceted jewels, cabochons.... were worn by upper and noble classes. The faceting were simple cut. (Fimo is helpful) Venetian (who were anti Florentine) women had the gown's waistline under the bust. If you are interested in this style Realm of Venus is a good site. So some sights to glean from for Florentine http://festiveattyre.com/research/earlyflor/portfolio.html Various "Italian" artists (1490s closer to the bottom) http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/early-renaissance.html continuing here http://www.artcyclopedia.com/history/high-renaissance.html Diary http://festiveattyre.com/gallery/ghirlandaio/index.html http://festiveattyre.com/gallery/giornea/index.html Hope this helps for getting started, De -----Original Message----- Dear H-cost list I have to make 20 costumes for an upcoming Italian renaissance performance and have been thinking about using http://www.reconstructinghistory.com/products/rh509-1470s-1500-florentine-wo mans-outfit-1#. Can you think of different ways we can decorate these gowns so they don't all look the same? Plus they need to look grand because we will be on stage under lights. I am still working out what to dress the men in, and fear they will not want to wear short doublets and tights :(( *Aylwen* _______________________________________________ h-costume mailing list h-costume@mail.indra.com http://mail.indra.com/mailman/listinfo/h-costume
