http://www.tudorshoppe.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=TTS&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=SS-JB | Take a trip through fashion history and unravel the the mystery of the classic Jeweled Bodice.
2. THE RENAISSANCE WAS A
GREAT FASHION AWAKENING
• As society moved out of the Dark and
Middle Ages, people had more money
and spare time.
• This abundance led to more
extravagant fashion, including fine
embroidery work and often bejeweled
clothing.
• Renaissance clothing was the birth of
"Power Dressing" as wealthier
members of society could afford more
extravagant clothing, setting them
apart from the masses.
3. RENAISSANCE WOMEN & GIRLS
FASHION "MUST-HAVES"
• The chemise was worn by both girls and
women along with a variety of underclothes and
outer garments.
• Over the chemise, both fashionable and
working-class women wore a bodice.
• Only the most fashionable women wore gowns,
which were a skirt and bodice sewn or laced
together. These dresses were made of fine
velvet, silk, or damask and embellished with fine
embroidery and even jewels.
4. THE RENAISSANCE BODICE
SERVED MULTIPLE PURPOSES
• The bodice was a Renaissance version of
the bra, offering support for the bosom.
• It also served as a girdle, helping the torso
to appear flatter and slimmer.
• The bodice additionally acted as a
fashionable vest.
The bodice changed during the Renaissance
era. It was low-cut in the front at the
beginning and end of the period, with higher
necklines during the middle of the age.
5. EYE-AND-HOOK FASTENERS
OVER BUTTONS
Buttons weren’t strong enough to support the
stress of the bodice, so instead the bodice was
laced or fastened with hook-and-eye fasteners.
• Working-class women wore the bodice laced
up the front.
• Middle-class women usually laced their
bodice up the sides.
• Only the wealthiest women, who could
afford servants to help put it on, laced their
bodice up the back.
6. THE RENAISSANCE
WOMAN’ S S ILHOUETTE
• The bodice was the perfect piece of
clothing to accentuate the Renaissance
woman’s shape.
• The bodice helped to highlight a
slender waist while lifting the bosom.
• In addition, the wide, flowing sleeves
and skirt helped create the classic
hourglass shape women have strived
to achieve for centuries.
7. HOW TO ACHIEVE THE
RENAISSANCE LOOK TODAY
Women and girls can easily recreate the
Renaissance look with a few key pieces:
A chemise
A bodice
A peasant skirt
8. A TRADITIONAL
WOMEN'S BODICE
The traditional bodice for recreating the
Renaissance look includes:
• Elaborate trim work, such as jacquard trim
• Dangling jewels
• A lace-up front
• A fitted bodice made of washable cotton
and velveteen
• A lined bodice is ideal for supporting the
weight of the lifted-bosom style
9. WEAR THE BODICE WITH A
CHEMISE AND PEASANT SKIRT
• Look for a flowing chemise
in white
• Pair the bodice and chemise
with a peasant skirt
• Look for a full skirt to
mimic the style of full
petticoats underneath
10. ABOUT THE TUDOR SHOPPE
The Tudor Shoppe offers everything you need to create a Renaissance outfit for plays,
Halloween, cosplay, and much more. Available in both women's and girls' sizes, these
costumes are easy to care for and made to last. The Tudor Shoppe also features
Renaissance costumes for men, in addition to an impressive line of other costumes,
accessories, shoes, puppets, and much more.
Visit their stunning collection today at www.tudorshoppe.com!
11. SUMMARY
The Renaissance was the beginning of the modern age of fashion,
when people had enough abundance to care about what they wore, not just
about survival. During this era, layers and layers of clothing were worn,
both for looks and for warmth. Today, you can recreate this look with a
few simple pieces, including the bodice.
