From the dawn of time, humans have had two unique preoccupations: staying warm and looking good. This has resulted in a long and fascinating journey through fashion history. From the animal skins our ancestors used to clothe themselves and ward off the cold, to the intricate haute couture creations of the modern runway, let’s trace the remarkable evolution of fashion over the millennia.
1. Animal Skins: A Prehistoric Start to Fashion
Animal skin has been utilized as clothing by humans since the prehistoric times. In one of the deepest archaeological sites known as Skhul and Qafzeh in Israel, a human burial ground dating to around 90,000 to 120,000 years ago, unearthed Cro-magnon corpses with animal-skin clothing.
From the earliest days of human civilization, animal skins had been used to make clothing for protection against climatic extremes. Among the Indian tribes of North America, the softest deerskin was chosen to make apparel for babies, so as to protect them from the cold and wet elements of nature.
Aside from protection against the cold and rain, skins of animals had an even more important use — to elevate the sense of pride and masculinity of the hunters. This is because, a hunter had to be brave, agile and finesse to be able to take down such giant prey. The skins of these animals were flaunted as
- Raiment to showcase bravery,
- Footwear to support the hunter’s feet during long travel and,
- Crowns to signify the hunter’s position of power among the tribe.
Today, the use of animal skin in fashion has gone beyond just status symbols and has become an emblem of luxury that transcends age and gender divide. One can find anyone from royalty to celebrities and even everyday folks adorning the look be it genuine or faux.
2. Empires and Royals: An Exploration of Royal Fashion
The royal families of the world have been admired for their fashion sense for generations. Throughout history, the great empires of the world have adorned their royals with garments of power and opulence. From the intricate embroidery of the Inca, to the luxurious velvets of the Spanish court, to the modern designs of the present-day royals, there is something extraordinary about the fashion sense of the royals.
Classic Silhouettes: Royals have always preferred classic silhouettes, whether for formal gowns, ballgowns, or everyday looks. They have a preference for visual elements that are timeless – like ballgowns and tuxedos, white pearls and gold jewelry.
Extravagant Details: Royal fashion is about more than just classic pieces. Even the simplest looks can be elevated by extravagant details like intricate beadwork, precious jewels, and delicate lace. Royals are known for taking fashion to the next level with sparkling details, from jeweled crowns to jeweled shoes.
High Quality Fabrics: Royals seek out only the finest quality fabrics for their garments, from the finest silks and cottons to luxurious velvets and tweeds. Every detail is carefully chosen to express the royal power and privilege that these families represent.
- The Inca wove together intricate tapestries
- The Spanish court chose lush velvets for their garments
- Modern royals like Duchess Kate prefer tailored, simple silhouettes with subtle details.
The fashion of empires and royals presents a grand opportunity for us to reflect on our own sense of style and grace. It has been passed down through generations and is a reminder of the power of beauty and elegance, and the legacy that these royals have left behind.
3. Industrial Revolution: Big Changes, Big Style
Industrial Revolution is sometimes regarded as a tumultuous period of history that saw significant changes in the way of life of Europeans, and its influence can still be seen even today.
One of the major changes that stemmed from the Industrial Revolution was the introduction of new styles of everyday and leisure wear. With new mechanised looms and production methods, clothing items such as fabric, shoes and accessories became more affordable to the masses.
The look of the era followed a very distinct style:
- Colours: Classic hues such as navy blue, maroon and mustard yellow were all the rage.
- Fabrics: Wool and cotton were popular choices, although velvet and corduroy were also popular amongst the upper classes.
- Shape: Men would often wear tailcoats and top hats, while waistcoats and breeches were popular items amongst women.
The rise of the industrial age also marked the dawn of a new wave of fashion accessories, such as pocket watches and parasols. Women in particular would accessorise their outfits with a variety of hats, scarves and gloves. The newly found freedom of movement meant that clothing could be tailored to fit each person, and a range of styles began to appear.
No longer were people limited by the traditional styles of dress, and the Industrial Revolution played a major part in introducing new fashion ideas to the world.
4. Into the Modern Age: A Look at Post-WWII Trends
From War to Peace: Transitioning from an Industrial Economy to a Service-Oriented Economy
Not only did the nations of the world have to grapple with the aftermath of two massive world wars, but the global economic landscape also saw a monumental shift in the decades following WWII. The industrial output that drove the economies of warring nations began to give way to services and productivity in the manufacturing sector stalled.
The medical and technological advances that emerged from the war created new industries and businesses that produced goods for consumer consumption. From televisions and cars to computers and the rise of the internet, new markets rose out of the ashes of a once-devastated world. Additionally, the influence of globalization led to a booming worldwide economy with unprecedented commerce and connectivity.
The agricultural industry also underwent a dramatic transformation. The implementation of new technologies, such as chemical fertilizers and herbicides, increased crop yields significantly. This allowed countries to produce more food, which resulted in greater access to nutrition for the global population.
Finally, the global service industry underwent monumental growth, transforming how businesses operated and how people worked. From providing customer services to medical and legal assistance, the service industry came to occupy a pivotal role in post-WWII economies. By the start of the 21st century, the service industry accounted for the majority of job opportunities in many countries around the world.
5. Haute Couture: Luxury Reimagined
Haute couture is the epitome of the fashion world. Every season brings us breathtaking collections from top-tier designers, with timeless pieces that capture the imagination. At the heart of haute couture lies artistry – the art of tailoring delicate fabrics and fabrics of the highest quality into luxurious garments for the discerning customer.
From intricate beading and embroidery, to layers of tulle, chiffon and feathers, haute couture pieces are designed to be show-stoppers. Every season’s collections propose a bold new vision, set to redefine elegance and grace. For instance, this season a common thread emerged – exquisite craftsmanship and the mastery of the tailoring arts combined to deliver pieces beyond comparison.
The experienced craftsmanship and exclusive techniques employed in haute couture afford it its unique appeal and grandeur. Here’s what makes this luxury fashion so special:
- Expert tailoring to personalize the perfect fit for every body type;
- Custom-designed materials to create one-of-a-kind pieces;
- Finest quality materials specially-selected by fashion experts;
- Opulent ornamentation, perfected down to the smallest detail;
- Techniques that are unique to the craft of haute couture.
Haute couture is a luxe experience – both for its wearers and the lucky ones who get to witness its breathtaking visual impact. From theme-inspired couture costumes to classic silhouettes, its a testament to the power of fashion and its ability to transform the wearer. There’s simply no other fashion experience that compares to the luxury of haute couture.
This look into fashion history has been an eye-opening experience. Clothing has continually evolved to meet the needs of the present and to honour the designs of the past – from using animal skin as early protection to the heavily adorned haute couture of today. One thing is for sure: fashion is far from static, and who knows what the future will hold.
