HISTORY OF
1066-1087
King William the Conqueror: The Normans invaded England and introduced French fashion to the English court
1087-1100 King William Rufus: William Rufus was believed to be a homosexual. But the first crusade started in 1095 and fine silks, satins, damasks, brocades, and velvets were imported from the Far East
1100-1135 King Henry I: The travels of the crusaders influenced fashions by their contact with the Eastern world and more luxurious fabrics. The ideals of courtly love were introduced and clothes became more colorful by the use of expensive dyes. Turbans and silks from the East were imported
1135- 1154 King Stephen: He married Queen Matilda of Boulogne whose European clothing influenced fashion. The fashion for extravagant clothes continued at their court. There was a distinct emphasis on the sleeves of the garments
HISTORY OF
1154-1189
King Henry II: He married Eleanor of Aquitaine who brought further refinement to the court and an appreciation for music and the arts. The fashion changed to more simpler clothes
1189-1199 King Richard I: Imports such as turbans and silks from the East were common. Printing (woodblock) of fabrics was adopted and buttons also arrived from the East
1199-1216 King John: His reign saw extravagant fashion for men while female fashions remained simple. Hose took the place of trousers
1216-1272 King Henry III: He married Eleanor of Provence who influenced the English court with simple French fashion. Tight lacing was used on women's clothes to create a form fitting shape which, girdled at the hips, created a long-waisted appearance
HISTORY OF
1272-1307
King Edward I : He married Eleanor of Castile and Marguerite of France. Spanish and French fashion influenced the English court. Gowns and sleeves were long and trailing
1307-1327 King Edward II: He is famous for his 'friendship ' with Piers Gaveston. He married Isabella of France. The Great Famine of 1311-1315 tempered the extravagance of courtly fashion
1327- 1377 King Edward III Prosperous reign and fashions became extravagant and sumptuous following victory in France and at the Battle of Crecy. King Edward III passed Sumptuary Laws in 1336, 1337 and 1363 to regulate the dress of various classes of the English people, promote English garments and to preserve class distinctions by means of costume, clothes and dress. This was tempered by the Black Death which reached England in 1347
1377-1399 King Richard II: He married Anne of Bohemia, daughter of Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and Princess Isabella of Valois, daughter of Charles VI of France. Fashion was influenced by France and Spain
HISTORY OF
1399-1413 King Henry IV: He married Mary de Bohun and Joanna of Navarre. Fashion was influenced by their countries
1413-1422 King Henry V: The English win victory at the Battle of Agincourt in 1415 and the country prospers and fashions become extravagant
1422-1461 King Henry VI: The Medici family rises to prominence in Florence. Italian fashions influence the English court including the introduction of the ruff
1461- 1483 King Edward IV: (youngest son of Edward IIII)
1483-1485 King Richard III: His reign ended the Tudor dynasty
A GUIDE TO
VEIL HAIR Women’s hair must always be tucked inside the head dress. It was covered by a wimple, veil, or both, and it would be braided into two sections.
Must be worn by all women. It can either be circular or rectangular. Veil can be very long (like bridal veils) or short that hung at the upper back. It was held in place with a circlet or fillet, or in the case of royalty or nobility it would be in place with a crown or a cornet. High domeshaped caps were worn, with a short veil and a wimple
SLEEVES
The sleeves have to be very long and tight at the wrist. Any part of the arms must not show.
SKIRTS
The skirts lay loose upon the ground and were very full. The skirt gown was usually lifted a little at the sides, over the hips. Most skirts would have tiny waist lines, and it was common for women to wear corsets to make themselves look even thinner
MATERIALS: Woolen cloth, fur, linen, cambric, silk, and the cloth of silver or gold. Crusaders also brought in silks, gauzes, sating, damasks, broaches and velvets from the East
FOOTWEAR
The women wore short, soft shoes or booties made of a leather material. They almost looked like socks. Women's shoes were similar to those of the men, but without the exaggerated toes.
Sources: http://www.yesnet.yk.ca/schools/projects/middleages200 0/fashion/fashion.html http://www.buzzle.com/articles/medieval-clothing-forwomen.html http://www.ancientfortresses.org/medieval-clothing.htm