From gods and goddesses to relentless conquerers and warlords Ancient Rome is an iconic and well-known era of history. How did these real people and icons of history influence fashion and status of the time?
Ancient Rome was known for its fashion, which was heavily influenced by Greek and Etruscan styles. Clothing was typically made from linen, wool, or leather and could include tunics, togas, cloaks, and sandals. Accessories like jewelry and belts were popular as well. The wealthy would often have elaborate and colourful clothing, while the lower classes had more simple and plain garments. The clothing of the time was used to demonstrate social status and wealth, as well as for religious and ceremonial purposes.
Patrician Ladies-Slave Mary Evans Picture Library
HISTORY OF THE TOGA
The toga is a garment that is deeply rooted in the Ancient Roman culture. It was worn by men and women of all classes and was a symbol of status and wealth. The toga was typically made of white wool and draped over the body in a specific way. It was secured at the shoulder with a fibula, a type of large safety pin. Over time, the toga evolved to become more elaborate, with various colours and details added to signify the wearer's rank and social standing. The toga was also a popular garment for ceremonial occasions and was worn by those attending public events. After the fall of the Roman Empire, the toga was largely forgotten until it was revived in the early 19th century. Today, the toga is often seen as a symbol of classical antiquity, and it is still used in some academic and religious ceremonies.
Togas were originally worn by both sexes of all classes but was gradually abandoned by women, then by labouring people, and finally by the patricians themselves. Made from an oval-shaped piece of material, the toga had voluminous folds, requiring such skill to drape that often a special slave was retained for this operation. Because the mass of folds prevented active pursuits, the toga became the distinctive garment of the upper classes.
War and fashion in ancient Rome was a fascinating combination of practicality, symbolism, and luxury. Soldiers wore armour and uniforms designed with function in mind, while citizens wore clothing that ranged from everyday tunics to extravagant togas that were often used to indicate social status. The use of ornate jewelry and accessories was also commonplace, with the wealthy often wearing elaborate pieces made of precious metals and stones. Despite the practical applications of armour, many soldiers also embraced fashion in a more symbolic way to express their identity and show their allegiance to a particular group. Overall, the combination of war and fashion in ancient Rome was an interesting blend of protection, symbolism, and luxury.
Roman Gods and Fashion
Many of the gods in Roman mythology are associated with fashion and style in different ways. For example, Venus, the goddess of beauty, was often portrayed wearing a diadem, or crown, and a flowing gown. She was said to have invented the mirror, as well as the art of hairdressing. Minerva, the goddess of wisdom, was often depicted wearing a breastplate and carrying a spear. Jupiter, the king of the gods, was said to have a fondness for golden sandals and a purple robe. Mars, the god of war, was known for wearing a crested helmet and carrying a shield. Finally, Bacchus, the god of wine and revelry, was said to have invented the wreath and the drinking cup. These gods and goddesses have certainly had an influence on fashion in the Roman world, and their images and symbols remain popular today.
The Birth of Venus Botticelli
The Birth of Minerva Rene-Antoine Houasse
Jupiter and Mercury reveal themselves Santi (1798)
Ceiling painting of Mars god in Chateau de Versailles François Lemoyne (1736)
Bacchus David Jermann
Although the elegance and simplicity of Ancient Roman fashion did die out over time, countless paintings, sculptures and stories keep the history alive. The feel and look of the clothes of Ancient Romans and Roman gods and goddesses have been reinterpreted in film and high fashion many times. Some examples below include the films Gladiator (2000) and Alexander (2004).
Scene from Gladiator (2000) DreamWorks/Universal Pictures
Scene from Alexander (2004) Warner Brothers Pictures
On the runway Ancient Roman fashion has been constantly reinterpreted for the past 100 years. Many brands, especially Versace who famously use the goddess Medusa as part of their logo have given their rendition of goddess like and roman inspired looks. Below are photos and runway shows all with heavy inspiration from Ancient Roman fashion.
The Delphos dress by Henriette Negrin and her husband Mariano Fortuny y Madrazo featured finely pleated silk creating a soft and elegant silhouette. It was initially created in 1907 and inspired by the classic Greek sculpture Charioteer of Delphi thought to be from 478 BC which matches the time and style of the Ancient Greco-Roman period.
Left to right: Photograph of two models wearing crepe dresses by Lucien Lelong (1935), gown by Madeleine Vionnet F/W 1937-38, and another gown by Vionnet c. 1938.
All gowns by Madame Gres c. 1960-1965
Versace Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1994
Versace Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1997
Givenchy Haute Couture Spring-Summer 1997
Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2013
Marchesa Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2013
Vionnet Haute Couture Spring-Summer 2015
Versace Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2015-2016
Chanel Resort 2018
Dolce & Gabbana Haute Couture Fall-Winter 2019-2020
Gems of Jade is currently creating a collection called Smokey Eras inspired by elements of smoke and different tim periods in history. Look #1: Working at the Pyramids was inspired by Ancient Egypt. Look #2 is inspired by Ancient Rome. Take a sneak peak at the sketch below to see the elements of our design. Don't forget to check back to read about our Ancient Roman inspirations and see the final design!
