Period: 1570-80, Germany

On occasion of an exhibition about the prince-electors of Palatinate at the Hunsrück museum we designed both a men's and a ladies' suit of the German late Renaissance. They were inspired most notably by paintings by Cranach the Younger.

We decided for the original cuts from the Bavarian National Museum in Munich for the over- and underskirt designs. The underskirt is of rhombic stepped beaded silk, which was quite famous during the late 16th century. An open overcoat of black silk is worn on top of the underdress. The stiffened collar and the short puff sleeves are typical for this kind of dress. 
The overcoat was generously ornamented with metal laces and delicate jewelry with pearls and 'gems'. These ornaments of the outer garment are mirrored by the hand-embroidery of the toque. The headgear is further underlaid with braided silk ribbons.

The doublet is made of gold-colored silk, which – to match the ladies' suit – has been ornamented vividly with antique-golden metal laces. The antique-golden braid was embroidered with metal threads and little 'gems' by hand. In addition the gentleman wears bloomers – that was very popular in the northern and German speaking regions. Likewise the beret is also of velvet, ornamented with feathers and other jewelry.​