New Books Network Camilla Annerfeldt, "Clothing and Identity in Early Modern Rome" (Bloomsbury, 2025)
May 24, 2025
Camilla Annerfeldt, an expert in fashion history and author of "Clothing and Identity in Early Modern Rome," dives into the rich tapestry of identity and attire in Renaissance Rome. She challenges the rigid social dress codes of the era, revealing how clothing served as a personal expression rather than merely a social marker. The discussion touches on the complexities of gender, class, and foreign influences on local fashion while highlighting the intersection of cultural norms and legal regulations. Annerfeldt's insights paint a vivid picture of a vibrant society.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Journey into Roman Dress Research
- Camilla Annerfeldt's interest in clothing and identity began with studying Renaissance portraits for her bachelor thesis.
- A 1953 article on typical Roman dress sparked her PhD topic, leading to deep research on early modern Roman clothing.
Clothing as Social Code in Rome
- Clothing in early modern Rome reveals gender, origin, religion, class, and profession.
- Gender-specific dress was a recent development by the 16th century, and Rome's melting pot made class-based dress distinctions hard.
Identifying Women by Clothing Details
- To interpret a 16th-century Roman woman's status, look for garments like shirts, dresses, bodices, sleeves, and especially a headscarf.
- The headscarf was often legally required to distinguish honest women from prostitutes, though compliance varied.