Book
Open Access
Refashioning the Renaissance
Everyday dress in Europe, 1500–1650
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Edited by:
Paula Hohti
Language:
English
Published/Copyright:
2025
About this book
How did ordinary men and women dress in early modern Europe? What fabrics and garments formed the essential elements of fashion for artisans and shopkeepers? Did they rely on affordable alternatives to the silks, jewellery and decorations favoured by the wealthy elite? Or did those with modest means find innovative ways to express their fashion sense?
This book provides new perspectives on early modern clothing and fashion history by investigating the consumption and meaning of fashionable clothing and accessories among the ‘popular’ classes. Through a close examination of the materials, craftsmanship and cultural significance of fashion items owned by and available to a broad group of consumers, it challenges conventional assumptions that the everyday dress of ordinary families was limited to a narrow selection of garments made of coarse textiles, often produced at home and resistant to change.
This book provides new perspectives on early modern clothing and fashion history by investigating the consumption and meaning of fashionable clothing and accessories among the ‘popular’ classes. Through a close examination of the materials, craftsmanship and cultural significance of fashion items owned by and available to a broad group of consumers, it challenges conventional assumptions that the everyday dress of ordinary families was limited to a narrow selection of garments made of coarse textiles, often produced at home and resistant to change.
Topics
Publishing information
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook
Available soon
eBook ISBN:
9781526164674
Pages and Images/Illustrations in book
eBook ISBN:
9781526164674
Keywords for this book
artisans and shopkeepers; clothing and accessories; consumption; cultural history of dress; early modern fashion; experimental history; fakes and imitations; novelty and innovation; reconstruction and re-enactment; textile techniques and crafts
Audience(s) for this book
For an expert adult audience, including professional development and academic research
Creative Commons
BY-NC-ND 4.0
