| February 4, 2006 |
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Style & Status
Caftans  made the man in 16th- and 17th-century Turkey. Unlike the tight, rigid, European clothes of the time, the Ottomans wore layers of heavy robes that made the wearer seem bigger and more impressive. Fine fabrics were precious commodities, and foreign dignitaries and loyal subjects received gifts of silks. Robes of honor symbolized the political hierarchy of the Ottoman court, and people would suck up to the sultan by literally kissing his hem. Explore the colorful tiles on this Smithsonian exhibit to get close-up looks at the opulent textiles, and then click the "I" for a description of the historic garment. The collection features cloth of gold and silver, brocaded silk, elaborate velvets, geometric motifs, and Russian Orthodox Church vestments. Instead of wearing their hearts on their sleeves, these Turks wore their socioeconomic status right where everyone else could see it. (in Fashion and Beauty) |
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