Identity in Steel: Regional Styles of Armor in 15th Century Western Europe

It seems obvious that different cultures would have different styles of clothing—but what about different styles of armor? Let’s take a magnifying glass to 15th century Western European armor to tease out the subtle differences in national styles. How might the design of these pieces reflect the histories and tastes of their owners? By extension, how do everyday objects reflect the identities of the people who use them?