In 1595, Salvagio de Aste of Genoa drew attention to his law-breaking outfit, as noted in detailed state archives records. Sumptuary laws regulated costly attire in Italy, enforced by the Fashion Police. Research by Giulia Galastro highlights the societal impact of fabric materiality in Genoa. Surprisingly, the majority of sumptuary law offenders were men, particularly for black silk garments adorned with precious metals. Even artisans faced scrutiny for crafting luxury items. Italian sumptuary laws mirrored European trends, aiming to control excessive spending and moral concerns. By examining these records, Galastro sheds light on the significance of clothing choices in Renaissance society.
https://www.medievalists.net/2014/10/fashion-police-16th-century-italy/