Q: Name three technological advances that changed clothing from the Renaissance – either manufacture or otherwise. How did they affect clothing styles? Has there been a technological advance that has affected 21st century clothing?
One large deveolpment was Humanism. Cicero’s premise that man was a dignified rational being, it allowed individuals became more self-aware and extrovert. This led to the discovery that the human body represented beauty and proportions in nature; clothes sought to conform to mans proportions.
Second, the textile industry blew up. The workers and technology advanced and became more skilled. This caused more elaborate fabric with delicate clothing. And now, rare things like silks and velvets were made all over Europe.
Lastly, the artistic and commercial forms of lace developed as an industry. This led to Venetians which were “delicate and exquisite laces, the intricate patterns of which (were) incorporated in their textiles.” We then saw the Italian Merletto or the German spitze or the French Dentelle.
I think the most similar example of this in the 21st century is fast fashion. We are now able to keep up with the mainstream trends regardless of our class. However, these clothes are extremely cheap so you can’t wear them for a long time or they will rip or break down. I personally believe this is a huge reason why people don’t want to be “outfit repeaters” (shout out to Lizzie McGuirre). The industry has turned us into people who want new clothes often for fear of being caught in the same clothes and not being able to keep up with trends.
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