Everything happens for a reason...
In the case of the Renaissance Fabrics Study Collection, several things happened to bring this wonderful venture into being. Here's our story....
In order to curate the right fabrics for our customers at Renaissance Fabrics, I need to understand the weaves, fiber combinations, and feel of historical fabrics. I have been fortunate enough to study clothing in museums such as Colonial Williamsburg, The Museum of London, and the Victoria & Albert Museum.
In 2010, I was gifted a collection of antique clothing from a friend who “wanted it to go to a good home”. I kept it safe, but didn’t really do much with it for many years. Then one day in 2019, I was showing my collection to a friend and we had fun studying the details in the lace, the petticoats, the bodices, etc. I realized that day that I could use my very own collection to study fabrics & construction details, no travel needed!
I realize not everyone has these opportunities and that not all museums are friendly to self-taught, non-academics like me.
Then it occurred to me….What if I could offer other people like me the opportunity to study a collection like this? You wouldn’t need to be an academic, or writing a book, or have any specific credentials. All you would need is an interest in historical clothing and the desire to learn about it. I could make it available online for anyone around the world to see and offer in-depth study opportunities as well. The farther the reach, the better!
So, my fellow historical fashion enthusiasts, I bring you the Renaissance Fabrics Study Collection.
I hope you find it helpful, educational, and as an inspiration for your creativity. Enjoy!
Take a closer look into the Renaissance Fabrics Study collection