Historical Draped and Tailored Garments

Draped Garments

Himation
The himation was a cloak formed by a rectangular piece of linen or woolen fabric that could be draped in different ways. It was worn by the ancient Greeks usually over a chiton for a bit of warmth.

Image courtesy of http://www.liberograssi.it/

Sari
The sari is a women’s garment of South Asian origin (possibly dating back to 2800 BCE). It is made from a strip of woven fabric up to nine meters in length, and can be worn in several styles, the most common of which consists of wrapping one end around the waist and draping the other over the shoulder.

Photo courtesy of http://www.bridalwave.tv/

Kilt
The kilt is a knee-length skirt-like garment that has pleats in the rear and is most often made of a woolen fabric in a tartan pattern. It originated in the Scottish Highlands of the 16th century as the traditional dress for men and boys.

Tailored Garments

Doublet

The doublet was a fitted buttoned jacket worn by men in Western Europe from the Middle Ages through the middle of the 17th century. King Charles IX wears one with a short cape over it in this portrait painted by François Clouet in 1583.

Breeches
Breeches were a men’s garment with a separate covering for each leg that typically ended just below the knee and were closed at its open seams by buttons, drawstrings, or straps. They were worn from the late 16th century to the early 19th century. During the French Revolution, they were a symbol of nobility, as this image displays.

Gloves
Gloves are shaped garments worn to cover the hands. Though the exact date of their origin is unknown, gloves were worn for warmth and protection for many centuries before women began to use them as fashion adornment in the 13th century. These newer versions were worn to signify elegance and sophistication. This picture shows Audrey Hepburn wearing a pair in the film version of “My Fair Lady” in 1964.

Examples of the Functions of Dress

Environmental Protection
Fur is one of the earliest forms of clothing and has long been used as a means by which to keep warm. Despite animal welfare concerns, it is still considerably popular in colder countries due to its insulating properties.

Decoration
With just a few personal touches like fun accessories or some pops of color, an outfit can become completely different than what it was originally thought to be. It is these touches that truly make the outfit one's own.

Photo courtesy of http://www.painfullyhip.com/

Gender Differentiation
The wearing of high heels was once a symbol of nobility for both men and women. Today, however, high heels are typically worn by women almost exclusively for aesthetic reasons.

Group Membership
A significant part of who we are is defined by those who surround us. That is why it is important to be able to identify with a particular group, and certain garments and ways of dress can help do this. The uniforms worn by the Girl Scouts of the United States of America are an example.

Ceremonialism

Wedding ceremonies are among the most important and significant occasions that we will participate in. For this reason, many women spend a good deal of time searching for the perfect wedding dress. While there is a good chance that it will only be worn once, considerable meaning will be attached to it.

Photo courtesy of http://www.wedlog.org/

Sexual Enhancement
Corsets were originally made to be worn to shape the torso and make it more appealing. While their construction and look have changed over the years, corset tops are still worn to draw attention to certain parts of the body and to enhance sexual appeal.

Photo courtesy of http://www.fredericks.com/

What is a Source Book?

A source book is a collection of knowledge, ideas, inspiration, and creativity. In this particular source book, we will follow and document my journey as I explore various topics and perspectives relating to fashion and its history in 20th century arts.


The picture to the right is of Halle Berry wearing an Atelier Versace dress to the 2005 Oscars. I chose it because it displays a classic sophistication with a modern flare. I love how the dress shows off Halle’s confidence while still making her look soft and feminine. Fashion truly has the capability to convey many messages.

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