This project started off as a Cardinal costume for Aaron to wear to the Renaissance Faire. His concept was to go as something "better than royal," something with divine influence! But he also wanted it to be simple and comfortable. We thought this 1540 Titian of Cardinal Bembo was just perfect for inspiration.

The costume doesn't look all that complicated, but somehow this project took on a life of it's own. I originally made it in 2005. You can see what it looked like then, and read all about it on the construction page. I also put together a research page where you'll find a collection of Italian portraits, and a brief overview of cardinal attire from 1510-1546.

These photos show the costume updated with a linen shirt and a silk taffeta hat, constructed of wire and buckram. Aaron's new all-purpose Renaissance shoes work fairly well with the outfit too.

Although the costume was originally inspired by a 1540s portrait, I found I wasn't able to stick to any one decade in the final design. I liked the button layout on this 1510 mozetta, and the hat is a 1520s style. Aaron just wasn't keen on the later hats: he thought they looked like mouse ears.