The Egyptian Civilization

Designs - Ancient Egypt. (n.d.). Retrieved

November 26, 2018, from
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g/art/Designs-Ancient-Egypt-258185860

Egypt. (n.d.). Retrieved November 26, 2018,

from http://fashionthroughtheages-
heatherbrooke.blogspot.com/2011/11/egypt.
html
 The Ancient Egyptians are known for many things today, from their innovation and seemingly
advanced architecture and science to their fashion. This civilization has a long history, and while it’s
complicated and mostly unknown, there is still much we do know. The ancient Egyptians when through
three different time periods called the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, and New Kingdom. The times
ranged from 2575 B.C. to 11th century B.C.

The Egyptians had a relatively simplistic style. Their main textile was linen, which they wove into
garments to wear. However, clothing could often be decorated with animal pelts, real or faux, or could
include ornate jewelry and fabrics. In the images above, you can see decorative elements to the outfits,
like belts.

One main theme throughout all of their fashion was social class. Slaves and the working class
wore much simpler clothes. For example, loincloths were worn by most people, but may have been the
only garment worn by slaves or workers. Men or women in power would also display their status
through wearing beards or decorative wigs. These two accessories are probably some of the most
famous Egyptian styles, but weren’t worn by the common man, but rather by the royal and powerful.

Another theme was the time periods. During the different kingdoms different styles were worn.
The schenti is one example of this. This men’s wrapped skirt during the Middle and Late Kingdom’s
began to elongate and become fuller or pleated.

Women’s fashion was of course, different from men’s fashion mostly. Popular for women were
things like the sheath dress. These were colorful dresses often decorated with a sheath of beads worn.
It’s mostly accurately depicted in the historic photo above, where you can see the very form fitting
dresses worn by the women, who are quite decorated in accessories of the time. Necklaces and jewelry
were popular. Women often wore make-up as well. Other popular styles for women were looser fitting
dresses with V-necks which could be worn with or without sleeves.

Some styles were popular among both men and women. One item was a tunic called a kalasiris,
which came around during the New Kingdom. Another style shared by men and women included
pleated gowns that tended to be shear. Royal men and women would both wear beards and wigs to
express their status. Wrapped garments were shared by both genders as well, which offered many
different styling options depending on the way one wrapped it.

Today, influences from these styles can still be seen. Styles such as the sheath dress women
wore still remain. Wigs, as well as Egyptian styled jewelry are also still prominent can still be seen today.
The Late Middle Ages

Burgundian Houppelande - 15th century.

(n.d.). Retrieved November 27, 2018, from
http://www.gewand-
manufaktur.com/Burgundian-Houppelande-
15th-century

Monet, D. (2017, July 31). Fashion History of

the High and Late Middle Ages - Medieval
Clothing. Retrieved November 27, 2018, from
https://bellatory.com/fashion-
industry/FashionHistoryoftheHIghandLateMid
dleAgesClothingo-the11th-15thCentury
 The Late Middle Ages took place between c. 1300 to 1500. During this time, many changes
occurred, including many fashion changes. This was time when fashion came more into being, and
people began to branch out into newer styles. During the beginning of the Late Middle Ages, fashion
was still resembling that of the Early Middle ages, then slowly began to evolve during the rest of this
time period.

Men’s fashion at the beginning of this time was style imitating that of the early periods with
looser fitting wear. Leg coverings, called hose, came in a variety of from just the leg coverings to those
with foot coverings and stirrups. These were an undergarment worn with braies and a chemise. New
clothing items that showed up for men later during this time period were the doublet, cote-hardie, and
a houppelande. The doublet was a fitting jacket worn by men, which changed to looser fitting styles that
were seen in earlier times before this. The cote-hardie was another fitted garment introduced during
the Late Middle Ages, fitting the torso and arms tighter than styles that were worn during the beginning
of this period. The houppelande however was a less form fitting outer garment, which did keep some
looser fitting styles for men relevant. As the Late Middle Ages went on, styles shifted slightly, with the
cote-hardie being replaced by the doublet and the houppelande. However, the tighter fitting silhouette
stayed in style.

Women’s styles also changed throughout the time period. Gown’s worn by women began to fit
closer than they had before, framing the body more during the 14th century. Women also had their own
version of a cote-hardie, which was longer than a man’s and had a slightly more complex design with
lappets hanging down the sleeves. As time went on, the styles continued to fit more closer to the body.
V-necked gowns, as seen in both the photos above, were introduced by the upper-class on more
intricate gowns. The hennin, a pointed hat with a veil on the end also seen in both pictures above, was
introduced during the Late Middle Ages and was often worn by royalty. Jewelry was also a popular
accessory for women, as it was decorative.

While most styles worn then aren’t still worn today, such as the hennin or the houppelande, we
still take inspiration from the fashion of the Late Middle Ages. The V-necks worn by royalty then are still
seen often in fashion today. Many accessories, such as purses and jewelry popular then is also used
today. Many theatrical looks still take much inspiration from this time period as well.
Italian Renaissance

Italian renaissance clothing - Google Search | Carnival

of Mirrors in 2018 | Pinterest | Renaissance gown,
Renaissance dresses and Renaissance. (2018, July 14).
Retrieved November 26, 2018, from
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/337558934551645457/
?lp=true

"Beauty Adorns Virtue": Italian Renaissance

Fashion. (2018, January 16). Retrieved
November 26, 2018, from
https://fashionhistory.fitnyc.edu/beauty-
adorns-virtue-italian-renaissance-fashion
 The Italian Renaissance was a time of artistic influence in Italy. The word “renaissance” is the
French word for “rebirth”, which is very fitting for this revolutionary time period. The Renaissance, c.
1400 to 1600, was a time where Medieval ideas were starting to disappear, and in their place more
artistic and humanistic ideas appeared. Eventually, these ideas began to spread out of Italy, into other
European countries.

During this time, many themes like wealth and social class played a role in fashion and other
elements of life. For example, the right would wear beautiful garments made of ornate fabrics to
express their wealth and success. Another way that people would show their class was through
architecture and art. During this time period, the wealthy would build massive and artistic houses to
display this wealth.

Different regions of Italy retained different fashion trends, all influencing one another and taking
influence from foreign countries. Countries like Spain, France, and some middles eastern countries all
contributed to the styles seen throughout the time period. Since this was a period of arts and artistic, it’s
no wonder that looks from all over the world were adopted and appreciated by the Italian Renaissance.

In these images here, you can see they don’t follow the traditional Italian look of tighter fitting
sleeves, or overdresses fitted over another dress that gave a layered look. These looks follow more
closely to the looks introduced by the Spanish to many regions of Italy during this time period, around
1500. While these two looks don’t have the prominent character of some Spanish fashion like slashing,
which would be decorative cuts in the garments, they do follow the same silhouette. The Spanish
influence brought on larger bodices of dresses, as you can see in the pictures shown, where the bodice
is looser fitting. The sleeves are also looser than those seen in other Italian Renaissance fashions. The
Spanish also brought elements like seeing the camicia, an undergarment similar to the chemise, at the
neckline which gave dimension and decoration to the garments the women wore.

There are also a few typical accessories in these photos that were often seen in the Italian
Renaissance, such as headwear, which would range from full hair coverage made popular by the Middle
East, to less coverage seen in these photos. Jewelry can also be seen in both photos, which was a
prominent accessory used in the time for decoration.

The Italian Renaissance was a beautiful time period that explored their own past styles, while
also exploring styles from all over the world, and artistically expressed their trends through fashion and
other forms of art. Discoveries and influences from this era were historic and can still be seen today.
The Directoire and Empire Period

Rosegal 3.8 Women's Shopping Festival. (n.d.).

Retrieved November 27, 2018, from
https://www.rosegal.com/casual-empire-
waist-maxi-dresses/shop/

Directoire and Empire Period. (n.d.). Retrieved

November 27, 2018, from
http://zimmer.csufresno.edu/~monicaf/empir
e.htm
 The Directoire and Empire Periods occurred during 1790 and ended around 1820. This time
period is famous for the French Revolution, which was a French rebellion of the people against its
government. Mistreatment of the people lead to a massive rebellion to invoke a change in the country
and it’s leaders. This lead to an extraordinary change in fashion.

The revolution led to the creation of many symbolic fashion trends. The Revolutionary Cockade
was a symbol worn by supporters to show their allegiance to the revolution. Another accessory added to
the cause was the haircut worn by many women called “haircut a la Victime”, a short hair cut imitating
that of women going to the guillotine. This was often accompanied by a red choker necklace to add to
the effect. Men’s fashion changed as well, with the addition of the Red Cap of Liberty to show support,
and the wearing of trousers to represent the working man.

The end of the French Revolution led to the Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte coming to royalty and
brought about many fashion changes. Probably the most famous one of this time period, the empire
line. This high waisted and straight loose silhouette is still around today and came into being once
Emperor Bonaparte came into office. The empire silhouette was very popular because of its versatility.
Styles for these dresses ranged in sleeve length and neckline styles.

Women’s fashion also adopted several new ideas. Layers began becoming popular. Women
would wear pantalettes on the bottom, which often would have lace at the bottom to show under a
skirt. Next, a chemise would be put on over the top along with a corset. Lastly, a petticoat was put over
the top of these layers. Outerwear came in many styles for women, from short jackets called spencers,
to Kashmir shawls and pelisses.

Men’s undergarments remained the same with underdrawers and undershirts. The trend of
tighter fitting trousers, or pantaloons, remained after the French Revolution. These were often
accompanied by a shirt, covered by a vest, also called a waistcoat, and coat. Shirts now had high collars
called cravats or stocks. Another new garment for men was the banyan, which was a gown worn at
home.

Some styles seen in this time period remain. The main one is the empire line. This can be seen in
many different styles for women, from shirts to dresses and tunics. This style is brought back
periodically, though can be seen often in most times.
The 1920’s

1920's fashion. (n.d.). Retrieved November 27,

2018, from
https://www.emaze.com/@ALCRRITO

History of Fashion 1920's - 1930's. (n.d.).

Retrieved November 27, 2018, from
http://www.catwalkyourself.com/fashion-
history/1920s-1930s/
 The 1920’s was a very progressive time for fashion. Most likely the best-known look from this
time was the “flapper” look. This look was worn by women and consisted of many different styles.
During this time period, women began adapting a more ‘boyish’ look to their wardrobes and everyday
wear. Silhouettes became straighter with less emphasis on curves or tight-fitting ensembles. Women’s
skirts also shortened, and waistlines moved down, and were often emphasized using low tied belts.

Many first steps for women took place during these years. Women began cutting their hair
shorter to match the boyish look that was so popular to match outfits and current garment trends. Girls
would cut their hair, often times short enough to be considered the length of a man’s haircut. For the
first tie in history for women it was acceptable to wear hair short, as well as wearing makeup such as
rouge and lipsticks.

These straight-lined boyish looks weren’t the only popular looks in the ‘20’s. The Robe de Style
was another popular trend during this time period. Jeane Lanvin was the credited designer for bringing
this look into popularity. The Robe de Style was a 1600’s Spanish inspired dress with wide hips. This look
directly contradicted the straight-line look that was popular at the time, which may have added to its
popularity.

Other new styles that were becoming increasingly more wearable for women included pants.
Pants were often worn for leisure activities like sports and free time. This was a relatively new concept,
although it had been introduced before, it was now once again becoming more popular as more and
more women began engaging in these activities. Other more leisure garments for women included
swimsuits. Swimsuits had been around before but were now more wearable. These garments were now
far more practical for wear, and much less complicated to wear.

The 1920’s was a very impactful time for women’s fashion. Designers like Coco Chanel thrived in
this time period, and whose influence is still seen today from her own personal clothing brand to her
styles being mimicked by most fashion designers. Styles from this decade are still seen often and are
revived during periods when the 1920’s come back into the public eye. Styles like the low waistline are
still seen periodically in dresses, as well as the short hairstyles coming back into popularity now and
again. Makeup has stuck around since this time period, and remains one of the most popular looks for
women. This 1920’s will most likely always be one of the most influential periods.