c. 1500-1545 A.D.
Woman's styles in early Renaissance Germany developed from the Italian Renaissance styles but, like the men's fashions, went far beyond the Italian creations. Cartridge pleating was used extensively at the waist, and guards (trim of a contrasting fabric) became fashionable on the bodice and skirt. The bodice evolved one version with a cut-away front spanned by a bust band of another, elaborately decorated fabric, below which the bodice was laced together over the chemise (MM090) or a plastron. High standing collars became popular. Sleeves were slashed in many different ways, although less wildly than the men's sleeves, and different styles were tied, laced or sewn on. The bust band was also occasionally slashed. The chemise showed under the slashes, and was often elaborately decorated when it showed at the neck. Decoration was rich, and jewels and metallic embroidery were often used.