Archive for November, 2012

Whether you enjoy spending time at Renaissance faires or fan cons, or just need a costume for a party, there’s something terrifically transformative about slipping on a Renaissance dress! The rich fabrics and feminine shapes take you out of your workaday world and let you travel to another time and place. Renaissance dresses make it easy to take on a deliciously evil persona if you choose. With the Bellatrix Lestrange Dress or Empire Woman’s Steampunk Gown, you can show the Renaissance gentlemen around you that you’re no one to be trifled with!

If deliciously evil isn’t your idea of a good time, there are plenty of Renaissance dresses to express your sweet, virtuous side as well. It’s hard to feel anything but lovely in the Bella Abita Renaissance gown. With soft layers and an embroidered bodice, you’re primed to portray that Renaissance country lass with a heart of gold. Pair it with a silk veil and you can be anything from a princess to the local smith’s daughter.

For an even sweeter persona, there’s the Medieval Lace Dress. It doesn’t get much more softly feminine than flowing white lace and a fitted bodice. Dress it up with jewels and a crown or let it be your medieval wedding gown. Just be sure to hurry – this one is on clearance!

Whichever character you wish to create, or aspect of your personality you wish to highlight, there are Renaissance dresses to help you melt away from the everyday…

If you’re looking for that special something extra to make your Renaissance outfit complete, think about how a hooded cloak would look on top of your period garb. Hooded capes and cloaks add a striking visual effect to any period outfit you wear.

If your mind keeps conjuring up Jedi robes when you imagine hooded capes, know that there are far more styles available to Renaissance cosplayers than there are to the Jedi! And, capes allow you to LARP or enjoy the faire no matter the weather. Let’s take a closer look at a few favorite options…

• For a stunning look that will immediately draw every eye, there is the Taffeta Lace Cloak for women or men! The deep burgundy color and shimmery texture work as well for a wicked queen as they do for a fair maiden…or a confident, charming man of romance.

• For a valiant look that adds drama to a costume, consider a Reversible Cloak. Use the black side when you want to add mystery or slip by unseen, and reverse it to purple for a dash of bright, eye-catching, royal color!

• Mystery and intrigue abound when your costume is dark and alluring. Add that intrigue to your costume with the Magic Mist Cloak. The sheer, flowing fabric is perfect for a mage, witch, elf, or anyone who wishes to cast a glorious spell on all who see them.

Medieval cloaks are especially appropriate during the chillier months of the year. While some people limit their involvement in Renaissance activities to the summer faire and theater season, others continue to enjoy this interest throughout the year. Cloaks are fantastic alternatives to winter coats, and excellent for wearing to Renaissance events being held after the summer festivals conclude. You can opt for our opulent, grandly-styled cloaks for more thematic events, or subtler, simpler designs that offer the same level of quality, but are more suited to keeping warm throughout the winter and being worn outdoors on varied terrain.

Seasonal events of winter may also be perfect for dressing in Renaissance wear, and Medieval cloaks can keep you warm in the process. A Father Christmas figure, for example, would look wonderful with a richly colored cloak. Participants in thematic villages and displays for the holidays might find Renaissance garb and cloaks to be excellent apparel choices. Surprise your literature students or classmates by dressing in thematic apparel for a unit on Shakespeare! If you are planning an early spring Renaissance event for your school, the weather will still be such that warm apparel is necessary, and a cloak is the perfect choice for staying comfortable. Of course, the use of a cloak isn’t limited to cold weather. It’s just fun to be able to continue enjoying your interests no matter how sharp the chill in the air!