Dress to impress

in all finery:  clothed in opulent fabric

is a multi-sensory sensation

at one point in time, only to be experienced by those of the ruling classes

and reserved for special/important occasions.

 

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Throughout history,

various societies have enacted sumptuary laws

which were regulations designed to control what people wore

and in some instances what they did-

in terms of demonstration of wealth.

These laws kept ‘fashion and dress in check’ ,

as means to identify an individual’s socio-economic station

by clothing worn.

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During the medieval era in Europe,

sumptuary codes prevented any attempt of elevation in status through dress.

The nobility projected their rank by ostentatious attire worn and

prohibited the rising middle class

from dressing above an imposed societal station.

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Conspicuous consumption was controlled by law

which allowed only a set few to wear luxury items.

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Luxury-wear on parade

15th C

 

Mois de mai

(month of May)

a page from the illuminated book of hours (prayer book),

Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry

painted by famed Dutch miniaturist, the Limbourg brothers, circa 1412 – 1416

for their patron the French prince  John, Duke de Berry

 

(image from wikimedia.org)

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Today dressing in extravagant clothing of

 

exquisite fabrication

jewel colours

intricate workmanship

elaborate details

 

is a daily event of being robed in attire fit for royalty

or seemingly so-

how wonderfully ‘sumptuous’ is that?

 

 

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Lux-wear on parade

21st C

everyday, everyone

(images from whowhatwear)

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(image from manofmany.com)

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(image from jaiperdumaveste.com)

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