Meet Leah! And yes, she actually said that.
I don’t know if that debate is as actual beyond our borders as it is in Germany. But recently medieval times became more and more popular, there are lots of renaissance faires (which seems do be the fitting words even if it hasn’t got to do anything with the renaissance age), events and concerts.
And of course, as it always happens if people discover a hobby that is fun… they start to argue about how to do it properly. Basically, there are two sides. The one side just wants to enjoy the atmosphere and dress up in medieval-ish looking costumes. The other side asserts that everything has to be done exactly like in the old times. That includes not only the right style of the clothing you wear, but the right fabric and the right way to craft it. No sewing machines here.
I for myself like the thought that, as long as noone’s hurt (involuntarily *g*), there is no wrong kind of fun. I mean, come on. It is a hobby, you have to enjoy it. If you arrange private events, then you have every right to settle a dresscode, but if you visit something public I consider it as ridiculous to bring your dresscode with you and shun everybody who doesn’t live up to it. Instead of enjoying your day and doing what you love to do. The medieval age has a lot of shades you can concentrate on. Authentic clothing is one of them. And it’s a really interesting one. As a student of history, I really like to read about the way people dressed, because it tells you a lot about their lifes. The dresses I wear are inspired my medieval fashion, but altered in a way that includes better fitting, different fabrics and whatever meets my eye. For me, it’s more fun that way. I don’t mind someone who dresses up like he came straight out of a history book. In fact, that’s pretty awesome. I don’t mind someone who wears some cliché pirate shirt made of polyester and panne velvet (although that’s quite ugly, but hey). What I DO mind is somebody approaching me with a scornful look, saying “You know, they didn’t have that kind of shoes back then” or, even worse, “Your skirt and your cloak do not come from the same time.”
Seriously? You’re not doing it right, you’re doing it your way. Which is fine, but does not grant you the privilege of ruining the days of those who don’t.
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