Level 4 Visual Culture: 1 - Ancient Egyptian

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The Ancient Egyptian era has had many influences on today's society. Styles from Pharaohs clothes, to wigs, jewellery, and footwear, all have an impact on fashion and style today.

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Linen was used a lot in Ancient Egypt, as it was comfortable to live in with the tropical heat of Egypt. Linen was spun, weaved and sewed, to make many clothes for a majority of the public. Other than linen, animal fibres were also used to make clothes like overcoats, however, only the wealthy could afford this. These types of fibres were forbidden in temples and sanctuaries.

Throughout most of the Ancient Egyptian era, woman wore a conservative dress type piece know as a Kalasiris, as seen to the left. The Kalasiris was held up by one or two straps, and worn down to the ankles. The length of a woman's dress would show her social class.

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The main difference in clothing in society was between the public, and Pharaohs. Pharaohs wore expensive head wear, along with accessories like ear-rings and necklaces, to show their power and wealth.

This type of clothing has influenced modern fashion designers, which is why we have been seeing Egyptian styled clothing and accessories coming into fashion this past century. From expensive looking gold coloured dresses, to everyday linen material dresses, many modern designs have been based on the rich and also normal clothes designs.