Tags
16th and 17th century fashion, Anne of Denmark, Anthony Van Dyck, art, Charles I, Daniel Mytens, Duchess of Richmond, Elizabeth I, English court dress - 16th/17th centuries, Henry VIII, Mary of Modena, portraiture, Queen's Gallery - Buckingham Palace, Sir Peter Lely, Tudor and Stuart Fashion
Whatever the era, British dress and style sensibilities
has influenced international fashion.
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Court wear of the 16th and 17th centuries
under the Tudor and Stuart monarchs-
was of particular extravagant couture creations.
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Fabrics:
wool
cotton
silk
furs
linen
were intricately weaved and sewn by the finest textile artisans of the time
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Producing luxurious designs in
damask
brocade
velvet
satin
twill
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Adorned with
ruffles
bows
lace
gold thread
embroidery
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And for that extra bit of glam
encrusted pearls, jewels and gemstones.
Opulent attire fit for king, queen and courtiers.
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Royal – Wear
(image from timeout.com):
Henry VIII
by Joos Van Cleeve, circa 1530 – 1535
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Known for his six wives who were far from merry,
King Henry VIII used fashion to emphasise
the wealth and power of the monarchy.
He consciously dressed to impress.
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(image from eyestylist.com):
Princess Elizabeth (later Queen Elizabeth I)
attributed to William Scrots, 1546
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(images from timeout.com)
Queen Elizabeth I
by Nicholas Hilliard, circa 1595 – 1600
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Like her imposing father, Henry VIII,
Elizabeth Tudor, as princess and later as queen utilised fashion
to underscore the might of monarchy, while
successfully flattering and enhancing her appearance
from every conceivable angle.
She well knew that she was centre stage.
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Anne of Denmark
attributed to Marcus Gheeradts the Younger, 1614
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Anne of Denmark, wife to a king – James I
mother of kings – Charles II and James II,
was a clothes horse of her era … from head to toe.
High coiffed hair, accessorised with jewels and feathers;
gowns of the finest cloths and needlework
adorned with lace, bows, and pearls
Anne was a fashion statement maker.
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King Charles I
by Daniel Mytens 1628
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Duchess of Richmond
by Sir Peter Lely 1662
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Portraits of these and other court personages,
equivalents of modern day paparazzi photos of
sought after public figures,
allows us to appreciate the workmanship, originality
and trend-setting qualities of the period’s high fashion.
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Mary of Modena
by Simon Vereist circa 1675
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Mary Modena, the second wife of James Stuart (later James II)
in an exquisitely tailored men’s coat –
androgynous wear a la 17th century.
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The Queen’s Gallery, Buckingham Palace
is currently hosting the exhibition
In Fine Style: The Art of Tudor and Stuart Fashion
(exhibition runs until 6 October 2013)
which examines and chronicles the development
of court dress during this period
through portraiture and authentic items of clothing.
A visual treat for any fashionista of any era.
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