Do you know how long it has been since I’ve done a HSF inspiration post? Long enough that I’m now two challenges behind! Anyway, catching up to do! Per popular vote, the theme of the HSF ’14 Challenge #22, due Monday 1 December, is ‘Gentlemen’: Make a historical item for a gentlemen, or a ladies item inspired by/borrowed from menswear. I am just overwhelmed with ideas! There are so many fantastic things I could make, either for Mr D (I live in hope…) or as menswear or menswear inspired things for me! Here are a few bits of manly fashions that amuse and attract me: Medieval stirrup stockings? Of course! Obviously, the actual menswear depicted in Lotto’s painting is pretty fantastic (those stockings! Those slashed shoes!), but Saint Lucia’s gown, with its slashed sleeves and bodice, is also menswear inspired (probably), as slashing was said to have become a fad after the slashed effect of mens clothing after a battle. Is there anything not to love about Barocci’s young man’s outfit? That fabric! Those buttons! …