Corona delle Nobile et Virtuose Donne, Libro Terzo, page 21 (recto) 1620

Editor: This is page 21 from Cesare Vecellio's "Corona delle Nobile et Virtuose Donne, Libro Terzo," dating back to 1620. It seems to be a print showcasing different lace patterns. The intricate geometric designs are fascinating; what is most interesting to you about it? Curator: The very existence of a book dedicated to lace patterns points to the growing commercialization and social significance of fashion in the early 17th century. Look at how precisely rendered these designs are. This wasn't simply about aesthetics; it was about communicating status. Who would be able to produce such elaborate pieces? And for whom was the creation intended, do you think? Editor: Presumably wealthy women, or artisans hoping for commissions from them. But how does this differ from previous eras? Were patterns always signifiers of status? Curator: Not necessarily. While fine craftsmanship has always been valued, the early modern period saw a real explosion in consumer culture. Books like this, detailing the latest styles, contributed to that acceleration. Printing made designs widely accessible, but also established a hierarchy, distinguishing the "à la mode" from the passé. So, is it simply a guide to patterns, or also a status marker? Editor: That’s a really interesting point; the act of circulating designs inherently creates a system of inclusion and exclusion. I hadn’t considered it from that perspective before! Curator: Exactly. The “corona,” or crown, in the title implies exclusivity, right? But printed for wider distribution. Editor: I see. I’ll certainly look at fashion plates differently now. Thanks! Curator: My pleasure. Consider how publications helped to codify and democratize trends simultaneously, setting up fashion’s modern framework.