Egyptian Clothing

Egyptian clothing and style has been a part of fashion for as long as one can go back in history. The clothes were made of linen and other fibers to make them comfortable in the hot climate of the desert. The clothes were not only comfortable, but fashionable, being adorned with precious gems and jewels.

The hot Egyptian climate and mild winters favored light clothing made of plant fibers most commonly linen, a few items were made of wool. Linen was the most important textile, produced from flax plant by spinning the fibers from the stem of the plant. The main techniques of Egypt were spinning, weaving and sewing. Plant dyes were sometimes used to produce red, yellow or blue threads, but were usually left in its natural color.

Clothes were expensive, and the hot desert climate of Egypt, people often wore as little clothing as possible. Peasants, workers and other people of modest condition often wore nothing, but the shenti was worn by all people. Slaves often worked naked.

The royals and the priests had particular clothing for occasions. The pharaohs and the priests wore
 leopard skins over their shoulders and a lion’s tail hanging from the belt.

Everyday clothing in the ancient Egypt was simple. The men generally wore a loin cloth, wrap around skirt known as the shendyt, which resembled a kilt. Children under the age of six wore no clothing except wearing jewelry such as anklets, bracelets, collars, and hair accessories. It was only after the age of six that they were allowed to wear clothes to protect themselves from dry heat.

The ancient Egyptian women wore simple sheath dresses; called kalasiris. It was a rectangular piece of cloth was folded once and sewn down the edge to make a tube and was just a few inches above the ankles. Some believe that the sheath dresses were made in such a manner that exposed the breasts, while there are also people who argue that the two strap dresses worn by women were draped in such a manner that covered the breasts. The dresses were adorned with beading and feathers as an embellishment to the dress. Over the dress the women had a choice of wearing shawls, capes or robes.

Wigs were worn by wealthy people ad were commonly worn by both the genders. They were usually made of real human and horse hair and had some ornament incorporated into them.

In ancient Egypt jewelry was worn by everyone irrespective of their social class. The Egyptians were very skilled in making jewelry from turquoise, metals like gold and silver, and small beads. Both men and women adorned themselves with bright colored ornaments like earrings, bracelets, rings, necklaces, etc. Those who could not afford jewelry made from gold or other stones would make their jewelry from colored 

pottery beads.

The Egyptians were very developed in terms of cosmetics. The perfumes of Egypt were the costliest of antiquity and were used extensively.  The Egyptians used makeup most of all the ancient people. Henna was used to paint nails and hands. Black kohl and eve makeup were also extensively used by both men and women.

People in Egypt were usually bare foot except for special occasions. Footwear, Sandals of woven leather, were common for both men and women.

Birds of Paradise

Birds of Paradise

Veteran  fashion designer Rohit Bal who began his career some 19 years ago  went beyond the conventional bridal wear and dazzled the Capital’s fashion fraternity, with a stunning couture collection titled Husn-e-Taa’iraat, or beauty of the bird at the Amazon India Couture Week 2015. Known for being a perfectionist Bal went all the way to secure real apple and pomegranate trees in order to enhance the beauty of his stunning collection which portrayed the spirit of grandeur and regality.

The champagne helped in increasing the spirits of the guests as did the playful tunes of the live pianist and cellist, who kept playing all through the fashion show. Dressed in chic maxi coats over floor length angrakhas, in shades of cream with white flowers made of cloth formed clusters on tilted headbands and frilled collaret around their necks, the models resembled the famous 18^th century Italian character Pierrot. The embroidery showcased birds in flight was so precise that it almost seemed as if one was looking at a photograph.

The models looked regal and gracious as they walked down the ramp. They even presented a theatrical drama for those present in the hall, holding filled flute glasses, posing on round elevated stages and sitting on guests laps. Some models like Noyonika Chatterjee , Sonalika Sahay, Carol Gracias and Tamara Moss went as far as flirting with the designer himself.

The next round of ensembles showcased Bal’s fascination with using rich fabrics by presenting the models in contrasting color of black velvets with vibrant embroidery and brocade inner lining. The women’s collection focused mainly on varying lengths and cuts, angrakhas, saris, and full length lehenga skirts while men’s wear was more oriented towards smart bandhgalas and Jodhpur pants with embroidered slip-on shoes. Inspired by the traditional colors of bridal wear model Rikee Chatterjee was clad in a deep maroon lehenga –choli set with gold and red embroidery on it pairing it with a pink brocade dupatta drape.

The loud applause whistles and hoots from the audience spoke of the success that met the show. The designer was also praised and congratulated by FDCI president Sunil Sethi and ace couturier Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

In his statement to the press the designer paid tribute to the artisans and the craftsmen of the country as well to the beauty of the flora and fauna that found expression in the Indian decorative arts and were the theme of his new collection.