Exploring the Opulence and Intricacies of 15th Century Italian Fashion

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Imagine stepping back into the brilliant opulence of 15th century Italian fashion with none other than esteemed author, Tim McCall as our guide. Picture the Italian princes adorned in radiant attire, their shining bodies reflecting their wealth and power. Not just a dazzling display, this episode uncovers the intricate Sumtuary Laws, the rules that dictated the length, color, and type of clothing according to status. And buckle up, because there’s an intriguing twist: the severe consequences that came with attempting to deceive buyers with counterfeit gems and gold.

But this journey doesn't stop at the glistening surface. We go behind the scenes of the silk production that engulfed Italy in the 1300s, culminating in a fashion peak in Milan in the 15th century. We'll trace the pathways of Isabella D'Este, dubbed the 'Jackie Kennedy of the Renaissance', navigating the royal courts of Europe with her refined sense of fashion, even as she traded dress dolls to keep up with international fashion trends. And just when you thought it couldn't get more interesting, we dive into the her riveting correspondence, and some tantalizing discoveries about Isabella's role as a patron of the arts.

Finally, we take a detour into Renaissance masculinity and fashion. You won’t want to miss the tale of a 15th-century Italian prince's quest for self-fashioning, complete with fresco cycles and a desire for whiter teeth in a time before modern dentistry. As we wrap up, we'll delve into the creation of Tim's new book 'Making the Renaissance Man', a treasure trove of insights about this vibrant period. So, come along on this fascinating journey into the heart of Renaissance Italy. You won’t be disappointed.

Turnkey. The only thing you’ll lift are your spirits.

Brilliant Bodies
Italian court culture of the fifteenth century was a golden age, gleaming dazzling princes

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