1. After looking at examples and reading about the Ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, do you recognize their influences upon the modern world?
Ancient civilizations clearly had a great impact on the contemporary world. It is surprising how many details of the earlier styles we are adopting today. Thus, not only did we borrow a lot of elements of the Egyptian clothing, but also the commonly used practices of body hair removal, facial make-up and the use of perfume. Greeks brought us the long draping dresses, which are considered very feminine today, while Romans contributed to our understanding of hygiene and even swimwear.
2. Where have you seen things that are clearly influenced by their styles of art, fashion and architecture?
Egypt had one of the biggest impacts on the Western society. The life and culture of Egypt fascinated Europeans so much, that they often adopted some of the Egyptian elements into their fashion. “Egyptomania” started after the campaign of Napoleon into Egypt, and was reinforced by the major archeological events, such as the discovery of the Tutankhamen’s tomb in 1922, which had an impact on the Art Deco style.
3. Are there any cultural themes that you recognize that have been adopted from these ancient societies?
The fashion for massive and bright jewelry is directly connected to the culture of ancient Egypt. As the Egyptians used their jewelry combined with white or beige gowns, so do we, wearing simple dresses with big modern accessories, thus adopting the style of Ancient Egypt. The “Greek key” can be sometimes see on the modern textile, while draping gowns combined with a belt have been often incorporated into the contemporary fashion.
4. What did you like from any of these cultures? What didn't you like?
The appealing feature of the clothes of ancient times is their simplicity and functionality. Thus, the same himation could be worn both for the day and at night, accessorizing the outfit and serving as a blanket. However, there were very few styles, which ancient people could wear. Large number of rules, like in Ancient Greece, and infrequent change of fashion, like in Egypt, left little variety for the people of that time.
5. Finally, were there any fashion items that you could imagine incorporating into your wardrobe or that you have already incorporated and didn't even know it?
It is hard to imagine the number of things in a wardrobe of a modern person, which are extremely similar to those worn by people millennia before us. Thus, Egyptian footwear so much resembles the contemporary sandals, which are used both by men and women. Massive colorful jewelry is also considered a very modern accessory in the Western culture today, even though in Egypt it was in style many centuries ago. Wraps and softly draping dresses have been borrowed from the Greek fashion by many modern outfits. The contemporary tunica can be also seen in many wardrobes, yet it was first introduced and acquired its name in the Ancient Rome. Moreover, even the bikini, which we believe to be a symbol of emancipation and freedom of the 20th century, has been used in the roman terms long before our time.
Middle Ages, Medieval and Gothic
1. What stereotypes of the Middle Ages and Gothic are you familiar with?
Unfortunately, there is a very stereotypical perception of gothic clothing style in the minds of many people nowadays. Black color and excessive use of leather, combined with the general grim perception of life have become characteristics of the gothic period in the modern culture. However, the reality of the genuine Gothic fashion is quite different. Dark colors were not a preference, but the only available tone for the poor, who could not afford expensive dyes. Rich people on the other hand showed their status through very bright clothing, which attracted attention. It is especially true for the late-gothic period, when the post-plague moods dictated the need for more seductive and colorful outfits.
2 Are there specific images from 20th and 21st Century media that reinforce these stereotypes?
Gothic subculture, which has acquired extensive media coverage, especially in relation to music and fashion, strongly reinforces the existent stereotypes about the Gothic period in history. In fact this stereotypical gothic image is a combination of different styles and beliefs, where the genuine medieval culture contributes only a small part.
3. What is something about the reality of life in the Middle Ages that surprised you or is different than you expected?
The surprising aspect of life and fashion in the Middle Ages, especially their early part is the attitude towards clothing as a utility piece and as a response to the church requirements. It is very common to associate the Middle Ages, the time often described in the fairytales, with the splendid outfits and a variety of styles. However, the reality was quite different from this perception. With the loss of trade connections after the collapse of the Roman Empire, people in Europe had to rely on their local styles and fabrics. This significantly simplified the clothing used at that time. Moreover, simplicity was often appreciated by the noblemen, such as Charlemagne, who openly disapproved fashionable outfits, worn in the court. Women’s gowns have become very basic, with the decorative pieces used only by the rich. Moreover, women were required to cover their body as much as possible, by wearing wimples, barbettes and special hairstyles. Only during the post-plague period women gained their right to look more feminine and revealing.
4. What garments or accessories in the Gothic period reflect post-plague dress motivation and new attitudes? How do they do this?
Post-plague period is characterized by the strong need for children in most part of Europe due to devastating effect of the disease in almost every town or village. People started focusing on life pleasures more than before, which is reflected in more frivolous and seductive clothing, often made in bright colors and more extreme styles. Thus, gowns for women have become more revealing with a deep V-neckline or even “sideless”, the style denounced by the church for its loose fit and the absence of sleeves. Men’s fashion is becoming more seductive as well. Young men tried to look attractive by adding bells to their clothing, by wearing parti-colored hose and a dropped waist. Men’s silhouette is further emphasized by the tight-fitting hose, which in the 15th century had to be made with a codpiece due to extremely short doublets, which came into fashion at that time.
5. Was there anything from these periods that you particularly enjoyed or might wear, or does it all seem totally crazy to you?
Perhaps the only piece, which I could adopt into my style, would be the dropped waist. Other fashion elements of that time would hardly look appropriate when incorporated into the contemporary clothing. However, it does not mean that I do not enjoy the styles of that time. The clothes of post-plague period are very sensual and emphasize masculinity in men’s outfits as well as make women look very feminine.
