What is Fashion History?

So, when you hear the word fashion, you might think of cities like Paris, Milan, and New York, but have you ever thought about how fashion began and how it evolved to grace the streets of Paris and the runways of Milan?

As we know, there should be a wonderful history behind this long journey of evolution and transformation through time, we have to start from the beginning.

Paleolithic Period (Old Stone Age)

It was that period when people began applying their intelligence to develop survival techniques; they used animal skins, furs, and botanical parts like leaves as clothing. This clothing helped them to survive in harsh climates and to overcome their tough living conditions.

Early humans wrapped animal hides, furs, and parts of plants around their bodies, and then they discovered how to sew them by using sharp objects for threading. Clothes such as leggings, shoes, loincloths, tunics, and hats appeared. At first, these were only for protection. However, as time passed, clothing became a norm of civilization, carrying cultural and religious meanings and serving as a tool for identifying different cultures.

People in the Stone Age wanted to look attractive. According to evidence, humans used to draw patterns on their bodies with red ocher—a natural earth pigment. 

History of Jewellery

Have you ever wondered why we wear neckpieces, pins, and bracelets? So, the answer is the same: our ancestors were the first to set the fashion foundation for us. They used to wear neckpieces made up of feathers, shells, pearls, animal bones, and teeth. These inventions went through different eras and underwent many changes, and now, they have become the foundation of global fashion.

The Neolithic Era (New Stone Age)

This was fashion's development era. People started to cover them with woven fabrics instead of animal skins and furs as they learned to weave plant fibers into fabric and to shape them more effectively. 

In that era, people were more interested in looking different and attractive. This era was the actual beginning of fashion; people wanted to be a part of the trend. Clothing style became the symbol of social status and individuality. People decorated their clothes with different patterns. They used beads, pearls, shells, and even dyes to enhance their clothing.

The jewelry was invented in the Paleolithic period, but it was developed in the Neolithic period. Neckpieces, beads, bracelets, and pins were now more common, even though they were part of some rituals. 

Bronze Age

The Bronze Age was a significant era when people learned to create bronze from tin and copper. This was not only a historical era for the development of weapons but also the Bronze Age, which had a significant influence on fashion trends. The woven fabrics, such as wool and flax, were now more refined due to the use of metal tools. 

Accessories like brooches were not only helpful in making clothes easier but also made the outfit complete and beautiful. 

This period saw the rise of jewelry, and bracelets, earrings, and anklets made of gold, bronze, and silver became popular trends.

Iron Age 

This era was characterized by the use of iron, followed by the Bronze Age. Wool, linen, hides, and plant fibers were used in garments. Due to the discovery of iron, people were introduced to more advanced tailoring tools, which made sewing easier and allowed clothes to be shaped into personalized designs. 

In the early Iron Age, there was a growing inclination towards bright colors and patterns, as people learned to dye their clothes in different colors. 

Fashion in Ancient Rome

The clothing of Ancient Rome was a strong reflection of social status and position. The dressings, such as fabrics graced with precious jewels, were a clear display of wealth and power. Wool, linen, and silk were the fabrics used by the Romans. 

Various outfits were depending on the people's class and social status in ancient Rome. 

Toga—A piece of cloth wrapped loosely around the body in ancient Rome by both men and women. According to history, it was the outfit worn by officials and emperors. 

Cloaks, Tunics, and Mantles were used for daily purposes as they were easy to carry.  

Palla —A long cloth used by women, draped over shoulders that could be pulled over the head as a scarf. 

Stola—Married women in ancient Rome wore Stola, a long dress with a neckline design. This dress had rare embroidery and expensive handcrafts. 

Tunics —A garment worn by all classes and genders. 

The famous statue of the USA, the Statue of Liberty, is wearing a stola and a palla. The various Roman sculptures and art pieces symbolize the sense of fashion, elegance, and their cultural values. 

Makeup was becoming a trend in Rome. Women were using kohl in their eyes, face masks for glow, and gold powder for shine. Hairstyles and luxurious jewelry were the glories of Roman elite women. 

Middle Ages

Various clothes were produced in the Middle Ages by blending natural fibers, i.e., silk, linen, and flax. Floor-length and ankle-length garments with full sleeves were popular. These fashion trends evolved, and modern styles reflect them with minor modifications. 

Cotte, bilaut, and surcoat were some fashion trends of the Middle Ages. Leather shoes, jewelry, and makeup had a good hype. A pale skin tone was considered a sign of wealth. Women of Europe painted their faces with a toxic white substance to look lighter. The trend of bold makeup, hairstyles, headwear, and high foreheads was rising in Europe, and people had a deep knowledge of herbal and natural remedies used for skin care.

This was the time when Europe was experiencing economic growth, and a large portion of a person's income was spent on clothing. Maintaining fashion was much more expensive in the Middle Ages than it is today. 

18th to 19th Century Fashion 

The Industrial Revolution occurred and gave birth to Western fashion. Tight-fitted pants, shirts, waistcoats, colorful shawls, and fitted jackets were common in the markets.

Lower-class people were now able to wear and afford cotton clothes as they had become affordable.

Short curls, featured jewelry, buttons, buckles, and shawls were some highlights of that era.  

The fashion trends of the 19th century introduced new chapters in clothing and elegance, expanding the fashion industry into a diverse field. 

Modern Era

The fashion industry is growing rapidly and becoming a global representation of art, style, and identity. As in ancient history, clothing continues to symbolize culture, identity, and social class. The fashion trends we are following have rich and interesting stories from history. Popular fashion trends such as oversized clothes, crop tops, and denim jeans are somehow connected to history.