Romeis popularly known as an eternal city. Praised as the 11th mostvisited city in the world, Rome is also a rich source of inspiration of cultureand fashion. Much of the Roman clothing is reminiscent to Greek clothingstyles. Also influenced by the Egyptians during 200 BC, later on they developedtheir own clothing style.
AncientRoman clothing:
Romanclothing was not just a means of covering their body, but it was highlysymbolic, an indication of their class, social status, age gender, and occupation.Romans preferred to display around, and to the rest of the world, what theirplace was in the society. It varied in color, style, and adornments indicatingthe person's position in the Empire. Their basic costume was of two types, thetunics and togas.
Tunics& Togas:
Whiletunics were informal and worn as indoor costumes, togas were outdoor andofficial. Made of spun wool, white in color, often undyed, and unadorned, the tunicwas comfortable for working and moving around indoors. People of the upperclass people wore tunics with some decorations so as to distinguish themselvesfrom the slaves. Togas had taken their inspiration from the Greeks. Noforeigner was permitted to wear the toga even if he lived in Rome or Italy, andthe apparel was an indication of roman citizenship. Toga was the officialgarment of both men and woman of Rome. Later when the trends changed, and togaswere worn only by male Roman citizens.
Men'stunic was similar to a t-shirt with differences based on their class. Common peoplewore a tunic made of coarse cloth and were usually dark in color. Patricianswore white color tunic made of wool or linen, and shorter tunics were worn bythe military people. Romans did not wear trousers, but later on they used onewhile they were hunting or riding called 'Gallic bracae'.
Womenof Rome also wore a tunic extending up to their knees. They draped a stola overthis with a grey, white or brownish hue. Roman women leaded the fashion withtheir use of shawls called pallium. Initially, togas were considered asofficial wear of both men and women. During the time of republic, togas wereworn only by men.
Moderninspiration:
Aspectsof Roman clothing give enormous appeal to the Western imagination. Clothingstyle is many countries worldwide; have taken inspiration from ancient Romanstyles. Ancient Romans believed that only barbarians wore trousers. Today,their legendary draped garments are replaced by tight fitting and sewnclothing. The ancient clothing styles of Romans have a strong influence on themodern fashion industry. Robes worn by the royal class of Rome are beinginterpreted by aspiring stylist. Designers, who take a deep dip in the ancienthistory of Rome, come up with modern interpretations of roman costumes which havean exotic and amiable appearance.
Fashiontrends take a U turn into antiquity, and are now seen on runways. Models on theramp are seen flaunting apparels designed and tailored; embracing the ancientroman clothing patterns. The wrapped up style of the ancient Romans have nowtaken a new form of men's outfit. Long tunics, and shawl draperies fastened togirdles, richly embroidered and fringed, serves as a design inspiration for modernattires.
EnduringLegacy:
Charmingillustrations of ancient Roman women proves an attitude of rhythmic grace and goddesslike beauty. Today's fashion designers take inspiration from the clothingstyles of Roman women. Goddesses are never out of theme for fashion. Women looktheir best in a classic evening gown which takes its inspiration from theancient Roman goddess clothing. Rich earthy tones of the Donna Karancollection, loose toga style dress, skinny belts, and metal ring details taketheir inspiration from Rome. Their clothing styles give a flattering andrefreshing twist on the sophisticated women's outfits of today. Bridalwear in the Western countries have a veil and wedding ring inherited from theRoman culture. Slaves of ancient Rome wore a cap like cover called bonnet. Thebrimless caps manufactured by liberty during the 18th century had a resemblanceto it.
Modernclothing is a reflection of the ancient roman attires and a combination ofboth. The simplicity in the costumes of ancient Romans is now succeeded by theexclusive pageantry of the current day's fashion designers. Roman breastplatearmor was used in the later years by Europeans in their military attire. DuringFrench Revolution, French officials were made to dress in Roman togas toindicate the importance of citizenship in a republic (as togas were an indicationof citizenship among the ancient Romans).
Romeretains its splendor and fame as one of the greatest cultural centers of theworld. Their costumes provide an insight into their national life andaesthetic values as well. Many of their costumes are refined by today's fashiondesigners proving that people are anxious to reinvent their past.
References:
1)Library.thinkquest.org
2)Classicsunveiled.com
Imagecourtesy:
1)Fashionfame.com
