Baroque dress : the age and its fashion

Abstract

Nowadays the world of fashion is so central in our lives that it is unimaginable to ignore its existence. Yet there was a time when it did not exist. Before evolving into fashion, clothes were simply costumes or traditional dress typical of a country and a time. The transition to fashion occurred in the baroque age. While Rome was exporting its magnificent art, Paris was assimilating it into a government policy turning its Catholic propaganda into its own monarchical aspirations. Once out of its initial Mediterranean artistic realm the baroque spirit was developed into a political, economic and social tool throughout Europe, including the non-Catholic states. The world of costume was no exception. Costume ceased to be simply an encasement around an unidentifiable body; it became a covering, which enhanced the human form. The individuals beneath their clothing were finally freed and the person beneath the costume could be admired. In previous times the centrality of appearance was won by the costume while the individual was an anonymous mannequin. In baroque times people started to wear clothes rather than serve as clothes' hangers Naturalism and emotion were introduced in a world where rigidity had reigned for long centuries. It was an elite fashion, exclusive and unique. Nevertheless its innovative appeal turned it into a widely emulated style. Europe was mesmerised by the follies of fashion and the continent indulged in an industry that has flourished ever since. In this sense the baroque fashion legacy lives on till this very day.