Wardrobe

Wardrobe [rental]

The act of dressing up is a clear fundamental need of Man, proven over the centuries by history and science, and even corroborated by religion. Covering the bodies or dressing is as relevant to man as food and the need for shelter. Clothing is considered man’s second shelter, after the house.

Throughout the centuries, dressing and the fashion, which were imposed, became an imperative of daily life…

The Official Wardrobe of the Medieval Journey has about 2500 costumes for rent throughout the year. However, during the Medieval Journey, costumes will only be rented upon availability, considering that most of the pieces are for use during the event.

For further information or clarifications, please contact the Medieval Journey Official Costume Keeper:

Mobile: 00351 967 230 997
Email: guardaroupadaviagemmedieval@gmail.com

Men and women of the common people lived almost exclusively for working, as a non-privileged order, very dependent on the Nobility and Clergy, having almost only obligations. Lacking economic means and thus the possibility of dressing elegantly or affluently, their costumes favoured comfort and the practical sense of dress.

During the so-called Low Middle Ages, the period of medieval history from the 13th to the 15th century, the “burguesia” were not socially stratified.  This was a time when the feudal system began to undergo a crisis, and economic, religious, political and cultural changes began to occur. To this situation, much contributed this new emerging class – “burguesia” – that with its activity centred on commerce begins to enrich and boost the economy, already at the end of the Middle Ages.

In medieval Europe, the nobility had its origin, essentially, in the feudal or lordly structure of the states. The social upper classe was formed by those who owned land, power, and wealth. They owned large estates and a significant part of their wealth came from the shares that kings granted them as payments for services rendered. The nobility was not a closed class, considering that their access was possible by royal concession.

As far as clothing is concerned, the nobility displayed their superior status through the materials, accessories and ornaments of each costume, equally sumptuous on men and women.

The clergy were considered another privileged group. They were governed by their own set of laws, the canon law. Their spiritual functions and social assistance positioned them as a more prestigious social group.

Members of the clergy wore long, dark woollen dresses with equally dark, long cloaks; some went barefoot, others wore leather shoes and possessed rosaries and trappings of their religion. The richer clergy possessed garments ornamented with gold and precious stones.