Expression+of+Sexuality


 * Elizabethan Fashion**



One of the most distinguishing elements of Elizabethan times was the way in which Queen Elizabeth transformed outward presentation. She was able elevate herself as the highest class through her over embellished gowns and accessories, turning fashion into an indication and expression of a persons wealth. For many centuries color and material had been used as indicators of wealth and status but it was Queen Elizabeth who began using bows, frills, jewels, and pearls etc. to highlight her elite position. Influenced by the Spanish and Italian with their patterns and use of jewels, Queen Elizabeth's attire adopted those accessories to the point of exaughstion. She did not just have jewels on the chest,she had them on the sleeves, bottom, back, almost covered from head to toe with intricate details. She was also able to substantiate her status through the amount of material that was used, layers upon layers in order to give a pillow like cushions or to enlarge the skirt. Queen Elizabeth was also the first to introduce the use of the high collar, trimming her face as if it was a guard to the rest of her body. An interesting analysis of the over use of materials and accessories in the idea that these were an outward protection of her chastity. Once Elizabeth began dressing more conservative with lots of flair, the entire female upper class followed. Women were not only copying Elizabeths clothing choices but also painting their skin white and dying their hair red. []