When I stayed at the Greek island of Chios in 2010, I was so close to Turkey my mobile sometimes automatically switched over. Look at the map, and you'll see what I mean. Since I was writing about the Medicis, I visited the Medici Archive a lot. One day I checked out if the area I was in was present in the Medici archive at all. Indeed it was. And ( Read more... )

In November 2010 I wrote a blog entry about 16th century fashion in Italy ( Read more... )

I've enjoyed reading everyone's 2011 costume reviews. You gals has been so productive! And so many beautiful outfits. I'm not as caught up in the 1910 and 1920 styles others are, but I enjoy watching the awesome outfits you people whip out. And the various Rococo and bustle dresses always makes me drool. Rarer styles, like Baroque or Romantic ( Read more... )

I've taken a couple of art history courses in Rome in previous years. One of the professors there invites former students to an annual "Saturnalia"; the Roman predecessor of Christmas. In Norway, though. When he said costumes were encouraged, and that he himself would dress up as a Roman Catholic cardinal (done with respect), I sat down with two of ( Read more... )

Because Bella at Realm of Venus came up with an "Idle Hands" challenge in October, I just felt a strong urge to make a 16th century muff ( Read more... )

....and this one is too cool for words:


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A short note about the use of trims in Italian 16th century dresses.

As a general rule the trims on the bodice is echoed in the trims at the hem. If there are trims at the bodice, there's usually at the hem too. There are exceptions to this, as always. I'll try and show the typic ones and the more unusual ones.


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Cause I love Greece, and I love the Renaissance style... It should however be noted that what was considered Greek in the 16th century has switched borders probably several times. Greece as such didn't exist, but Greek as a people, language and culture did. Most of it was under the Ottoman empire; some also under Venice and other European powers. ( Read more... )

The Venetian dress gallery has been updated, here: http://aneafiles.webs.com/renaissancegallery/veneto.html

Some favourites:Funky gathered chemise under black dress ( Read more... )

A big and nice versions of Veronese's portrait of a woman with cutwork sleeves. I never realized the dress was so red! Wow, wonderful to see such a good version ( Read more... )