Okonkwo Prelims

The Roman Empire whose beginning has been traced to 1500 BCalso

played a key role in elevating fashion and incorporating it within the culture

of society. The empire’s high impact on world politics and trade led to the

internationalization of fashion. This era is also considered as the true birth of

the Italian fashion style.

Appearance was an important part of Roman culture and people went to

great lengths to look good. Fashion was so much ingrained within this soci-

ety that the ruling government decreed the models and colour of shoes of each

social class because shoes represented a mark of distinction. This factor

contributed to the influence of talented designers and shoe craftsmen who

were sought after by the rich aristocrats and royal family members. The

Italian shoe manufacturing industry which became prominent during this

period continues to exist and is considered the most superior in the world.

Roman society also paved the way for several innovations in luxury fash-

ion, still practised today. Notable among them are the following:

1 The concept of elevated fashion was introduced by the members of the

royal family through elaborate dressing made with rare materials.

2 Seasonal fashion was invented to cater both for the changing weather

conditions and the changing tastes of the fashion-conscious society.

3 Women’s fashion was prominently separated from men’s fashion, through

the materials and colours used in the design and manufacture of clothes.

4 The legendary private thermal baths and saunas were invented as well as

the rich ingredients that were used to nourish the body and improve the

mind. This concept was also exported to the town of Bath in England,

where the Roman Empire members owned private baths.

5 Exercise and balloon balls were invented to enhance appearance.

Cosmetics and grooming products were also important in Roman society and

were directly linked to well-being. Although women’s freedom and privileges

were limited to attending to the needs of their husbands and children, they

also played a key role in defining the style of the day through their clothes,

make-up and jewellery.

The fashion sense of the Roman Empire was greatly influenced by British,

German and Hispanic styles, the first signs of international influences in

fashion.

From Rome to the Byzantine Empire and the Middle-Ages

(AD~ 450~1500)

The Byzantine Empire, located between Europe and Asia, existed between

the 5th and 12th centuries AD. The capital of Byzantine, Constantinople, was

considered the richest and largest centre of commerce and fashion of the

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luxury fashion branding