The History of Fine Fashion

In ancient times beauty and wellbeing were highly prized Roman women for example used a corrosive tincture made from goat grease and sulfur in their quest for blonde hair Roman men practiced body hair removal sported long hairstyles and utilized curling tongs Draping a toga became an art during Romes six centuries of greatness symbolizing the wearers status In high society a poorly draped toga

During the Middle Ages clothes for men and women differed from each other for the first time Influenced by Arabic fashions discovered during the Crusades women blossomed in fluid dresses which left them free to move comfortably Following the Hundred Years War the clothes trade grew in Europe But in the 15th century the laws governing fashion started to restrict the extravagance and costliness of

The 16th century saw bodyconstricting fashion including corsets and elaborate collars while the 17th century reveled in Versailles splendor The 18th century embraced enlightened spirits Trace the transformation of fashion from these eras where clothing shifted from rigid stays and ruffs to more flexible designs and muslin dresses Explore the influence of MarieAntoinette and the emergence of new

The 19th century was one of political industrial and social revolutions in Europe and womens fashion was no exception Women began wearing more masculine styles as exemplified by the trousered George Sand before being weighed down with the return of the impressive crinoline The period also witnessed the development of the textile industry the invention of the sewing machine dressmaking and

Chanel revolutionized 20thcentury womens fashion enabling them to express themselves freely Between 1939 and 1945 fashion trends featured taller hats higher heels shorter dresses and broader shoulders The 1970s saw the explosion of readytowear and hippie styles After the punk movement disrupted traditional ideals fashion professionals took the reins replacing traditional designers and attracting