Influence on fashion: Ancient Egypt

From runways to summer wear, the white draped and/or pleated dress has been a classic and chic look that many women opted for. The look often worn with gold belts and accessories -Which is very popular right now- often reminded us of Elizabeth Taylor and Cleopatra. For the longest time, I have always credited the Greek culture for the influence on fashion when it came to what many of us know as the "Greek goddess" look. Turns out, I wasn't entirely right.

Kim Kardashian in Marchesa at PrimeTime Emmy's 2010

It is true that both the Egyptian and the Greek cultures were intertwined and share many things.  However, it seems that the white dress originated in Ancient Egypt. Thousands of years ago, both men and women wore white cloth to keep from the heat of the summer. The men generally wore a skirt of varied length and the women wore dresses draped or pleated. Both men and women also wore tunics held together with a belt. Most of the garments had very little or no stitching at all, the garments were held together using a belt.

An example of the tunics and dresses worn by Ancient Egyptians.

The fabric used was linen, it represented a high status in society and the ability to sit around and not work. The most expensive linen was very fine and almost see-through. The lower classes preferred to dye their clothes to prevent from showing stains. Both genders accessorized their outfit with different stones full of color. Check out this picture depicting the "Egyptian look" of a white dress and extravagant accessories. 

Actress Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon '09

The draping of the dress worn by Garcelle is also another attribute of the Ancient Egyptian fashion. Since most of the dresses were kept simple and with no stitching, draping was used to hold the dress together and for variety. Pleats whether vertical or horizontal and in some cases both, were also very popular. 

I find it fascinating that as simple as their lives were, they still paid attention to what they wear and how to accessorize and have fun with it. It is also worth noting that head garments, wigs and make up was very popular among men and women for a more extravagant look. To think that Ancient Egyptian culture influenced fashion in such a way that till this day the styles are being recycled and renewed makes me wonder if the Egyptians took their originality and simplicity to the after life. 

Left: Donna Karan resort collection'11 - Right: Dress by Aditya Khandelwal

 Learning all about the Ancient Egyptian influence on fashion not only makes me proud to be a descendant of such an amazing culture but also corrected a misconception I share with many that the origins of this look is Greek. Egyptian ladies, wear that look with pride for you OWN it and it is nothing less than picture perfect.