During Antiquity, the cult of well-being and beauty is essential; people went to great lengths to attain it; Roman women who dreamt of turning blonde used corrosive tincture made from goat grease and sulphur.
During the Middle Ages, clothes for men and women differed from each other for the first time; influenced by Arabic fashions discovered during the Crusades, women blossomed in fluid dresses, which left them free to move comfortably.
The 16th, 17th and 18th centuries shared a common peculiarity: the art of constraining the body through stayed bodices and ruff and tar collars around the neck; many endured quite a bit of pain for the sake of beauty.
The dawn of democracy witnessed the development of the modern textile industry, spurred by the invention of the sewing machine which lead to faster dressmaking and more creativity in clothing.
The First World War, suffragettes' demands, the rise of feminism, everyday work, and outdoors sports all helped to break the old, restrictive styles.
Rhona Dumonthier-Finch
Host
Philippe Allante
Director
Writer
Florence Muller
