A HISTORY OF FASHION

A brief introduction to a long journey

To talk about the history of fashion, we need to focus on the work of the designers first.

With the purpose of creating a certain style, designers base on five basic elements: colour, shape, texture, the hang and balance of the line.

In ancient times the varieties of the weather defined the tools used, for example, Egyptians “folded” fabric to create pleated clothes.

Until the Industrial Revolution, fashion clothes were only worn by the nobility.

During the 19^th century, industries that dressed both rich and poor people appeared. Before the sewing machine was invented, the production of clothes was very expensive, and so were the clothes. After the machine, the production increased and clothes became much cheaper.

During the 1850’s, the first female fashion magazines were published; and for the first time a fashion show was organized to earn people’s attention towards clothes.

In the 20^th century, new synthetic fabrics were invented. Also, computer design made new style creations much easier.

It’s clear that fashion has changed throughout history. So, to begin this interesting journey, we must go back in time… to ancient civilizations.

 Ancient Fashion – Egypt

In Egypt, all clothes were thin, almost transparent due to the high temperatures of this place.The lower classes wore simple clothes like the schent: this consisted in a linen cloth or folded cotton around the waist. We can see the difference between the fabrics and the pleated of the same depending on the social status of the wearer.

The outfit worn by the higher class (pharaoh and his court) was called Kalasyris. This was a long tunic made of pleated, sheer linen, decorated in its outline with gold and precious stones. For women of the higher class, the suit was tied under the bust line leaving it exposed; in men, from the torso hanged some sort of triangular shape (neket), made of leather with precious stones.

Then we find items like the hosch, which is a short cape standing on the shoulders and chest.

The loriga was a female costume of roll-on design and close-fitting, made of fabrics similar to wire mesh; generally its length was at half of the leg or the ankle.

The basic footwear was sandals of papyrus fiber; however, poor people were barefooted.

Jewels play an important role at this time, as all bracelets, rings and necklaces.

This is just the beginning of a fashionable journey throughout time...next time we meet, we'll visit the magic of Greece and Rome.

Basili Julieta, Figueras Lucas, Verdile Florencia, Levato Bárbara and Torchia Camila - 4th Year