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The Renaissance era was a time of great creativity and innovation in fashion. The aristocracy of Europe indulged in opulent clothing that was designed to reflect their wealth and social status. However, over time, the extravagant clothing of the royals decayed, and its influence on fashion trends waned. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this decline and examine how the legacy of Renaissance-era fashion continues to shape the world of fashion today. Accompanying this article, a fresh perspective of the aristocratic lifestyle is depicted in a series of editorials, portraying the rise and fall of the royals with a fairy-tale twist. 

The Rise of Aristocratic Fashion

During the Renaissance era, the aristocracy of Europe was known for its lavish lifestyle and extravagant clothing. The elite at the time used clothing as a means of displaying their wealth and social status, and fashion became an important aspect of aristocratic life. Clothing was highly decorative, with elaborate embroidery, jewels, and other embellishments used to create intricate designs.

One of the most significant developments in Renaissance-era fashion was the introduction of new fabrics, such as silk and velvet. These luxurious materials were expensive and difficult to produce and they quickly became associated with royalty. Velvet was highly prized for its soft texture and rich colour and it quickly turned into a symbol of wealth and status. 

In addition to these new fabrics, clothing styles also evolved during that era. Men’s clothing were more tailored, with fitted jackets and pants replacing the loose-fitting garments of the previous years. Women’s clothing were more elaborate, with voluminous skirts and intricate headdresses that were often decorated with jewels and feathers.

The obsession with expensive materials and shiny jewellery as defining a person’s identity was rising. Royalty was perceived as superior, with extravagant luxurious styles were, and still are for some, symbols of prestige. However, we have recently become aware of the insignificance of  expensive clothes as social identifiers.

The Fall of the Royals 

Despite the popularity of Renaissance-era fashion, it eventually started to decline. There were several reasons for this, including changes in social and economic conditions, shifts in cultural attitudes, and the emergence of new fashion trends.

One of the main factors contributing to the decline of aristocratic fashion was the changing social and economic conditions of the following centuries. As society became more industrialised and urbanised, the emphasis on personal adornment and display of wealth declined. The rise of the middle class meant that things had to change. Essentials looked different, as more people had access to disposable income and they began spending their money on consumer goods, rather than expensive clothing.

The Enlightenment era of the 18th century was a period of cultural and intellectual change, marked by a rejection of traditional beliefs and a focus on rationality, simplicity, and practicality. This led to a rejection of the opulent and ostentatious clothing worn by the aristocracy, as it was seen as frivolous and unnecessary. The French Revolution marked a significant turning point in the history of aristocratic fashion. The revolutionaries rejected the opulence and extravagance of royalty, and instead championed a more austere and simple style of dress. This rejection of royal fashion was echoed throughout Europe and marked the beginning of the end of the era of extravagant clothing.

In the 19th century, fashion began to shift towards a more practical and functional style. The Industrial Revolution made it possible to produce clothing on a larger scale, and this led to the development of new fabrics and clothing designs that were more affordable and accessible to the general population. The rise of mass media and popular culture in the 20th century further eroded the influence of aristocratic fashion. As fashion became more democratic and accessible, there was less emphasis on the display of wealth and status through clothing, and towards a means of personal expression and self-identity.

The Legacy of Aristocratic Fashion

Despite the decline of aristocratic fashion, its legacy can still be seen in modern fashion trends. Many designers continue to draw inspiration from the opulence and extravagance of Renaissance-era clothing and incorporate elements of this style into their designs. Royal style has been sculptured in a modern way.

One example of this is the designer Alexander McQueen, known for his theatrical and extravagant designs, which often incorporated elements of Renaissance-era fashion. He was particularly influenced by the opulence and drama of 16th-century fashion, and his collections often featured voluminous skirts, intricate embroidery, and luxurious fabrics. 

Dolce & Gabbana has been heavily influenced by the opulence and drama of Renaissance-era fashion, and this influence can be seen in many of their collections. They often use elaborate embroidery, rich fabrics, and intricate patterns to create clothing that is both luxurious and dramatic. Gucci has also been inspired by aristocratic fashion, particularly the lavish and ornate styles of the Baroque period. Many of their collections feature intricate patterns, bold colours, and opulent fabrics, such as velvet and brocade. Valentino has been heavily influenced by the elegance and refinement of aristocratic fashion, particularly the classic styles of the 18th and 19th centuries, featuring complex lacework, delicate embroidery, and flowing silhouettes that evoke the grace and sophistication of the aristocracy.

The impeccable Vivienne Westwood has been known for her eccentric and avant-garde designs, which often incorporate elements of historical fashion. She has been influenced by designs from the Renaissance era, as well as the punk movement of the 1970s. Her designs often feature bold patterns, unusual fabrics, and unexpected details, marrying punk rock with the royal style. 

These are just a few examples of fashion designers who have been influenced by aristocratic fashion. By drawing inspiration from the opulence and drama of royalty clothing, these designers have created some of the most iconic and memorable fashion collections of the modern era. 

In conclusion

Fashion shouldn’t be a political weapon of wealth, but of individuality and a declaration of self. It should be accessible to all, despite its status and opulence. The fall of the royals didn’t only result in a fundamental change of the socioeconomic arena, but it also marked a new era of fashion and expressiveness. Τhe extravagant clothing of the aristocrats in the Renaissance era played a significant role in shaping the world of fashion. As times changed, this opulent style of dress gradually declined, giving way to more practical and functional clothing. Despite this, the legacy of royal fashion continues to influence designers today, with many drawing inspiration from the ornate embellishments and luxurious fabrics of the past. As fashion continues to evolve, the influence of aristocratic fashion will continue to be felt for many years to come.

Written by Errika Moniou

Team:

Photography @petraronis
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