sequins

The History, the Production, and How to Wear

By McKenna Valentine

The discovery of of sequins has led to to decades upon decades decades of enhanced outfits thanks to the sparkly quality they can add to everyday and special occasion pieces.

When King Tut’s tomb was discovered in 1922, sequins were also revealed to the modern western world, as King Tut’s burial clothes were covered in solid gold sequins. This launched a sequin craze powered by flapper girls in the 1920s, who were enabled to become shimmery, disco ball-like performers. Since the flapper era, sequins have remained prominent throughout history with no end to their popularity in sight.

How to Wear Sequins This Season

Sequins are a staple for holiday events. An example of this can be shown by the photo to the right, in which the model wears a Santa Claus inspired sequined skirt. Her outfit is simple yet festive, thanks to the addition of a shimmery skirt which serves as both a skirt and an accessory. New Year’s Eve outfits are perhaps the most commonly sequined ensembles, as the sparkly plastic pieces have been a symbol of wealth throughout history and are now used to “ring in” success in the New Year. This holiday season, consider wearing a sequined dress or skirt with black decorative pantyhose, or even a pair of sequined boots to ensure your success throughout the upcoming year.

Best Places to Wear Sequins

• New Year’s Eve • Dinner Night Out • Celebrations • Formal Events

The Production Process of Sequins

Fun Facts About Sequins

• In the past, sequins were money and were worn on the clothes for safe keeping. • In the 1930s, sequins were made of gelatin. • Throughout time, sequins have always been an example of wealth, fashion, and versatility. While the sequins found in King Tut’s tomb were made from solid gold, they have since become more easily produced and accessible to average people who were not pharaohs. The 1930s brought lead, paintcovered gelatin sequins, but this version of sequins did not maintain popularity for long because the gelatin sequins tended to melt with body heat. Finally, later in the 1930s, the process which produces the sequins we know and love today was developed. In this process, sequins are cut from plastic or Mylar to be multifaceted and therefore, reflective.

Clothing provided by Lotus & Vine boutique