First Book of Fashion: The Book of Clothes of Matthaeus and Veit Konrad Schwarz of Augsburg

The First Book of Fashion is a fascinating record of a Renaissance fashion victim, reproducing primary source documents and illustrations that showcase the importance of clothing to the aesthetics and everyday culture of the period. It includes a bespoke pattern by TONY award-winning costume designer and dress historian Jenny Tiramani, allowing readers to recreate one of Schwarzs most elaborate and politically significant outfits.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 432 pages
Publication date: 11 March 2021
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

The Spectator: A Fascinating Record of a Fashion Victim

The Spectator, a captivating publication, presents a remarkable primary source document in fashion history. Through the eyes of style-conscious accountant Matthäus Schwarz and his son Veit Konrad, this study offers a fascinating glimpse into the Renaissance era. It explores how the duo navigated life through clothing, carefully managing their self-image to climb the social ladder. The Schwarzes' approach to fashion, characterized by their desire to impress, remains as relevant today as it did in the 16th century.

Over a span of 60 years, the Schwarzes commissioned a series of portraits by illuminists, capturing their sartorial triumphs and failures. These portraits, reproduced in full color for the first time, provide a vivid visual representation of their fashion-focused lifestyle. Accompanying these illustrations are the Schwarzes' fashion-focused captions, which make them the world's first fashion bloggers and pioneers of everyday portraiture.

The First Book of Fashion delves into the power of dress, showcasing how it can be a potent tool in the right hands. Beyond its superficiality, the book vividly recaptures the experience of Renaissance life, emphasizing the importance of clothing to the aesthetics and everyday culture of the period. Historians Ulinka Rublacks and Maria Haywards insightful commentaries enrich the narrative, offering a modern and comprehensive portrayal of 16th-century dress.

This first English translation of The First Book of Fashion also includes a bespoke pattern by TONY award-winning costume designer and dress historian Jenny Tiramani. This pattern allows readers to recreate one of Schwarzs most elaborate and politically significant outfits, adding an authentic touch to the historical exploration.

In conclusion, The Spectator presents a captivating record of a fashion victim, offering a unique window into the Renaissance era. Through the meticulous documentation of the Schwarzes' sartorial journey and the inclusion of insightful commentary, this publication provides a profound understanding of the power of clothing and its role in shaping individuals and society.

Weight: 1716g
Dimension: 277 x 223 x 27 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350197060