Hello, fellow fashion enthusiasts! 👗👑 Today we’re going to explore the fascinating role of royalty in shaping medieval fashion and clothing. Join me on a journey through the intricate styles and trends of the medieval period, and how the whims of the royals shaped the fashion of the era. 🎩

The Birth of Fashion 👶

Fashion, as we know it today, was born in the medieval period, thanks to the aristocracy. The upper class was always a step ahead of the commoners, and it was the nobles and royals who set the tone for fashion. From jewellery to clothing, the aristocracy always had access to the most lavish and extravagant materials. Consequently, they had the power to dictate what was in or out of vogue. 💍

A painting of a noblewoman in medieval clothing adorned with luxurious jewellery

Influential Female Royals 👸

Women in the medieval period played a significant role in shaping medieval fashion. Female royals, such as Queen Elizabeth I, were particularly instrumental in controlling the apparel of their courtiers. Elizabeth I’s love for fashion was legendary, and she used her influence to control what was considered fashionable. Her reign saw the rise of extravagant gowns and headdresses that were designed in flamboyant styles. 👑

Aside from the Queen, some of the most influential women in medieval fashion hailed from the French royal family, who were known for their lavish lifestyles, taste and extravagant fashion sense. These powerful women were responsible for designing and sewing their own clothes, many of which were passed down as family heirlooms. Through their innovative ideas and expressions of their personalities, these royals helped shape the fashion industry. 👗

A portrait of Queen Elizabeth I in her iconic clothing design

Royal Men: Leading By Example 🧔

Royal men were also known to impact the fashion trends of the medieval period. They were notorious for wearing the latest styles, which were then replicated by commoners. King Henry VIII, for instance, is best known for his extravagant clothing designs. His flamboyant outfits and ornate collars set the tone for the fashionable trend of wearing collars with complex ruffs. Similarly, King Louis XIV of France was renowned for his lavish attire adorned with jewels and other expensive accessories. 👔

The battle dress of medieval knights also had a profound impact on the fashion industry, as it was used as inspiration for many styles. The most iconic knight’s armour, the chivalric suit, was designed to let us fight at close quarters. It was made of metal and leather, and it came with a helmet to protect the head. The design inspired a lot of clothing styles, accessories and even jewellery. ⚔️

A portrait of King Henry VIII wearing his iconic clothing design

How Fabric And Textiles Evolved Over The Years 🧵

Fabrics and textiles also played a vital role in medieval fashion, and the royals were at the forefront of these changes. Within the high society, sumptuary laws limited the consumption of luxury fabrics, but the production of silk, wool, cotton and linen was in full-blown production.

The medieval period saw the introduction of various dyes and printing techniques that revolutionized the production of textiles. Fabrics were embellished with intricate embroideries of gold and silver thread, and the use of pattern techniques such as ikat, batik and leno weave emerged.

Additionally, the royals often used fabric sourced from various places across the globe, such as the luxurious silk from China, cotton from India, linen from Egypt and wool from England and Scotland. This diverse variety of textiles and fabrics harboured creative and fresh ideas, which influenced the fashion industry in surprising ways. 👍

A collection of different fabrics that impacted medieval fashion

Conclusion 🤔

In conclusion, medieval fashion reflected the tastes and preferences of both royals and aristocrats. It’s fascinating to see how the fashion industry has developed over centuries, with the medieval period laying the foundation for many clothing designs and styles that we still use today. From rich fabrics and vibrant colours to intricate embroidery and elegant designs, the royals had a significant impact on shaping the fashion industry as we know it today. Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast or a history buff, the influence of the royals on medieval fashion is a fascinating subject that is sure to impress! 💯

An illustration of a medieval knight in armour