Of all the riches of the sixteenth-century European nobleman, none spoke more powerfully of his heroism, wealth, and taste than his armor, clothing, and weapons. Drawing on the Victoria and Albert Museum's popular arms and armor collection - which includes the armor of such notables as Henry IV of France and Philip III of Spain - Angus Patterson looks at the suits designed to kill, protect, and impress.

Here are parade suits, lavishly embossed and gilded, decorated with plumes of ostrich feathers, and draped with colorful silk sashes, as well as swords, daggers, pistols, and gunpowder flasks slung from elaborate belts. Paintings, sculpture, and beautiful new photographs - including many close-up details - bring this very particular aspect of Medieval and Renaissance fashion to life.