Written By- Namrata Jaiswal

[Guided By- Ms Monika Malik]

INTRODUCTION

The Egyptian period started approximately in 4000 BC, and ended with the death of Cleopatra VII in 332 BC.

Ancient Egyptians loved fashionable clothing and accessories. Clothing style was simple yet elegant. Egypt has been and remains, one of the most powerful reservoirs of inspiration, touching so many aspects of fashion world. Egyptian clothing was filled with a variety of different colours, decorated with precious gems and jewels. The fashions of the ancient Egyptians were made for not only beauty but also comfort. Egyptian fashion was constructed to keep cool while staying in hot desert. Egyptians made a major contributions to fashion in this light by giving us the fabulous Linen.

Women costumes:

Egyptian women wore a transparent, close-fitting sheath made from very fine linen. Over this was worn the kalasiris, which is a semi-transparent robe and has knots on the chest enhanced with the traditional broad jewel-encrusted collar.

Women’s hair was often decorated with forehead bands, clips, gold ornaments, ribbons and flowers.

Heavy eye makeup was used . The face was painted with a white lead-based cream. The lips, cheeks were tinted orange-red, the eyes outlined with black kohl. Eyebrows were curved down around the eye.

Gold was used in all forms of jewels, including hair accessories, necklaces, belt, earrings, chains, bracelets, rings and medals.

MEN’S CLOTHING

The basic garment for men was the shenti, a loincloth wrapped around the hips and fastened with the belt. Several transparent skirts were worn over the shenti which were knee-length or short and were stiffened into a triangular shape similar to a pyramid.

Men were clean-shaven. Hair was worn short to accommodate the real hair or woolen wigs worn by all well dressed Egyptians. Wigs were dyed black, blue, red.

INFLUENCE ON FASHION

It is an universal fact that designers of the modern day get their inspiration from the past. Egyptian fashion is an apt example of the same. A lot of gold and the royal symbols are used as an inspiration. Egyptian fashion is all about simplicity and comfort. In today’s world Egyptian symbols and patterns (especially the symbol of “eye of horus”) are taken as inspiration by many leading and upcoming designers which they use to create contemporary fashion.

Highly-detailed, glittering gold dress inspired by Egypt’s ancient queen:

One of the important motif of Egyptian clothing was the flower Lotus which signified the symbol of sun and creation. It also includes “The Ankh” which signifies the eternal life and “Wadget” which represents healing, protection, good health and royalty.

Maxi dress embellished with ancient Egyptian royal symbols:

This look is created by taking inspiration from Egyptian men, Pharaho (rulers) who usually wore a triangular shape outfit with artificial beard made of metal which signifies their connection with God.

Egyptian clothing was one such clothing which was very simple yet beautiful. Each of their motif had a meaning behind it and was important for them. They also enhanced their simple clothing with heavy jewellery and makeup which made them look different from the others. They used the most simplest fabric, that is Linen.

So, simplicity is the new elegance……!!!

I hope this blog was an interesting read!!!!

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Written By- Nikita Rajani

Guided by Ms Monika Malik

INTRODUCTION

Greek civilisation started from 700 BC and lasted till 53 BC. It was mainly based on necessity, function, materials and protection. Clothes were quite simple in the form of drape, fluid, free flowing and loose-fitting. during ancient Greek civilisation clothes that were worn were handwoven and were influenced by the clothing of ancient Egyptians. In other words, the piece of clothing was ancient version of modern day cloaks and wrap around, fluid draped and nudity depending on the place and occasion.

For the poorer and lower classes, garments were plain coloured, white or reddish-brown. The upper classes used dyes and decorated clothing with simple borders or all-over patterns and embroidered in multiple colours. Social hierarchy used to establish by easily recognisable form for both men and women in an outfit called Chiton.

Chiton was draped cloth, fastened on the shoulders with pins and brooches known as Fibulae. It was left open at the side and wrapped around the body. The wearing of the Chiton developed into sophisticated forms of folding, twisting and wrapping. Belts and girdles were worn on the waist or hips. Accessories included hats, walking stick, gloves and leather sandals.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

The clothes worn by women in Ancient Greece was a long tunic called the Peplos. It was a long piece of cloth that was fastened at about the waist with a belt. Peplos was worn over chiton. It often featured brightly coloured woven patterns of wavy lines, oval shapes, animal and scenes. At first wool was a favoured fabric but this later changed to lighter textiles such as linen, occasionally silk, cotton and flax fibre known as Byssus.

The outermost garment worn by both men and women was the Himation. Himation was another rectangular fabric initially worn as a cloak around the shoulder, it later developed into an elaborately draped garment often worn over the head.

Women’s hairstyles were delicate and complicated- chignons, braids, ringlets and sometimes hair was bleached.

MEN’S CLOTHING

Men generally wore chiton tunic which was sometimes shorter than the women’s tunic. Men also wore Himation which was sometimes worn without chiton.

Himition is a floor length garment which is worn behind the back and draped around the shoulder in a similar way a chiton is worn. They usually used to sew lead weights at the end of their garment, which helped them sway their body movements.

Instead of regular Himation, warriors and travellers sometimes used to wear a shorter garment commonly known as Chlamys over the Chiton.

Men’s hair were curled to frame the face , tied back and were often bearded. Unrestrained use of jewellery was common.

Both men and women wore numerous jewellery including gold chains, pendants, rings, bracelets and jewelled pins.

INFLUENCE ON TODAY’S FASHION

Ancient Greek culture has influenced modern designers over and over again. Modern interpretation of Greek costumes has an amazing and graceful look. Sheer, light and draping Greek inspired elements which brings together the power of femininity and elegance.

A cylindrical piece of cloth can be made into a dress and a top with a morphing neckline. A little black dress can be worn forward, or backward with caped sleeves. Cone shaped cloth can be converted into a shirt and skirt which has no front or back and can we worn both ways. Designer’s nowadays captures Ancient Greek beauty with elegant draped shapes to revive classically fluid forms in their designs.

With a flurry of ruffles, pleats, and drapes, Greek clothing displays a spectacular look in fashion shows. The most interesting aspect of Grecian clothing is that it can be twisted, tied, and wrapped to create different outcomes and looks.

In 2011, Gaultier exhibited Greek inspired originally pleated gown:

The classic chiton is extremely popular among designers as well as celebrities who have given it new life in today’s fashion. One shoulder gown is popularly increasing trend.

Versace spring 2015 Greek Men’s inspired runway looks:

Greek inspired footwear:

Greek inspired jewellery:

Greek clothing styles were very elaborated and way ahead of their time. Modern fashion designers have acquired a lot of inspiration from Ancient Greeks. They are loved for its beauty and simplicity.

I hope this blog was an informative read. For more such insightful blogs, keep reading and supporting.

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Written By- Annu Taneja

Guided By- Ms Monika Malik

INTRODUCTION

Byzantium took place in the 5^th Century B.C. (315) when the Emperor Constantine transferred the capital from Rome to Byzantium, and lasted till the 12^th Century (1453).

“Clothes make the man or woman; clothes make the person. It is not a modern saying, but instead an ancient concept”

The rise of Byzantium saw a bloom in fashion in the terms of colour, ornamentation, accessories and the rise of Christianity. Byzantium took its roots from the Romans and the Greeks. The Byzantium empire was known for its fashion and culture worldwide. The wealthy and luxurious empire was reflected through its colourful and heavily beaded clothing. It was inspired by the Orient and Middle East with whom they had trade relation. Traders brought luxurious fabric in the city from all these regions, and rich Byzantines instantly adapted the colours, patterns, and fabrics from the east in their costume traditions.

WOMEN’S CLOTHING

Byzantium dresses were very conservative because of the influence of Christianity. The shape of the body should be covered by clothing, showing off skin was no longer acceptable and was considered a sin. At the beginning of the Byzantium Empire, the Roman “TOGA” was still worn for formal or official occasions. During Justinian times dresses were changed into a “TUNICA” or long Chiton, which were unisex in nature. The upper class also wore a “Dalmatica” over their tunica. Dalmatica is a long, loose sleeved robe with close fitted bodice with embellishment on it and a fuller skirt which was worn either belted or without the belt above the waist.

Tunics were worn as undergarments by every class differentiated on the basis of fabric used. The open sandal was replaced by a leather shoe. Women had long hair worn in braids, rolls, frizzed or wrapped in turban.

MEN’S CLOTHING

Men also wore “Toga” and “Tunica”. Later, men wore shorter tunics to have some freedom of movement along with Trousers known as “bracae” or hose covered the legs, but not by wealthy hierarchy because this clothing was associated with barbarians. Feet was sometimes tied with leg bandages. The open sandal was now replaced with a leather or fabric shoe, which further followed the shape of the foot and was usually embroidered or painted. After 6th century the cloak were worn symmetrically.

Rectangular cloaks was reserved for the lower classes until 12th century.

The colour palette was uni-sexual which consisted of mostly all colours but especially purple which was the colour of royalty used with gold embroidery and embellishments.

SILK- THE RICHEST FABRIC

Byzantines loved colour and pattern especially silk was their favourite material which was used very frequently. The Byzantines wove their silk into a strong fabric known as “Samite” which had gold thread woven into the material depending upon the class. Silk was a form of luxury and byzantines loved luxury. Heavy materials like silks and velvet’s were worn by the upper class.

BYZANTIUM INFLUENCE: HAUTE COUTURE

The fashion world has fastened onto the lavish and glamorous world of byzantium inspired art dresses . A lot of inspiration has been taken from Christianity. It has mostly influenced the couture fashion because byzantium was all about luxury and so is couture.

Byzantium had such a huge impact that if a persons knows even a little bit about this empire, they will identify with the byzantine civilisation. All the gold and glitter put aesthetically, is a blessing that we have received from the Byzantium empire. Christian symbols like the cross, domes of churches and the embellishment of luxurious stones on gold are the key elements of Byzantium.

Byzantium has inspired many luxury designers, especially Dolce & Gabbana who presented a Fall/Winter 2013 collection in Milan which was ultra rich in embellishments, full of regality and intricately crafted details. History has always inspired the designers and byzantium has left the prominent mark in luxury and richness behind to inspire many.

Have a look at some luxury:

Byzantium has become a huge inspiration for accessories. The usage of gold, embellishment with different stone, imprinting the paintings of Jesus and all the precious stone crusted on gold crowns are inspired by Byzantium.

“Since we cannot change reality, let us change the eyes which see reality”- Nikos Kazantzakis

Byzantium was all about living larger than life in the lap of luxurious life. The clothing sure was conservative, but they had best fabric choices enhanced with embroideries and embellishments.

Now go add some GOLD AND EMBELLISHMENT in your wardrobe..!!

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