The 18th Century

The baroque tradition of dress reached its culmination in France during the mid 18^th century. The discovery of Chinese art by the West led to a preoccupation with delicate ornamentation and decoration. Chinese motifs, such as bellflowers and canopies, appeared as decorative touches on gowns. Soft pastel colors were borrowed from Chinese paintings for use in men’s and women’s garments.

The dress worn by both men and women was directed toward establishing a conelike silhouette. Women’s tightly corseted torsos terminated in huge skirts that, though failing straight at the front and back, were extended at the sides so that at the hem they were up to 12 feet across. These great skirts forced the ladies of the day to pass sideways through most doorways. Men’s coats and waistcoats were narrow at the shoulders and hem out from the body.

Men, as well as women, used cosmetics heavily during the mid-18^th century. The effect was not a natural one, however, as complexions were made to resemble porcelain. The face was stark white, with lips of bright red.

Exercise1. Point whether the statements are False or True. Correct where necessary.

1. During this era the continuous intricate lines of the Renaissance gave way to straight curves.

2. The headdress was supposed to help create a long, slender silhouette. Other devices included the tight corset, which held the body rigid, and the train.

3. High collar and bows were used unsparingly to decorate men’s costumes in the early part of the era.

4. The baroque tradition of dress reached its culmination in France during the mid 18^th century. Typical menswear during the mid-17^th century consisted of a vestlike doublet with elbow-length sleeves.

5. Toward the end the17th century, natural hair wasn’t valued any more.

6. Bright colors were borrowed from Chinese paintings for use in men’s and women’s garments.

Exercise2. Answer the questions:

1. How was the baroque style reflected in the clothes?

2. Which clothes’ articles were extremely fashionable? Where could you find them?

3. What was typical menswear like?

4. What did men and women do with there hairdo?

5. What devices were used to make any part of body visibly change?

6. What was the material and pattern like?

7. Was cosmetics known to human beings of the era?

8. Name main characteristics distinguishing the fashion of the Baroque style.

9. What were main features of man’s and woman’s outfits?

10. What do you think is appropriate for the style we are having now?

Exercise3. Work in pair. Make a dialogue.

Student A is a collector of information on the antique fashion. He knows everything about the articles of clothes of the period you are interested in

Student B is a student of Faculty of design and work on the project “Fashion of the Baroque”.

Exercise4. Read and know your personality.

Your jeans and your personality

Believe it or not, your jeans can indicate some of your personality traits!

Pick you favorite style of jeans and read the analyses.

• Baggy jeans.

• Tight jeans.

• Faded and worn-out jeans.

• Decorated jeans.

• Designer jeans.

• Standard jeans.

• All styles of jeans.

Baggy jeans.

People who wear baggy or oversized jeans are often shy and indecisive. They lack self-confidence and tend to worry about their appearance.

Tight jeans

People who wear tight jeans are self-confident and like to be the centre of attention. They know how to attract attention from the opposite sex.

Faded and worn-out jeans.

People who like old worn-out jeans are usually independent and sincere. They aren’t interested in money or status symbols.

Decorated jeans.

Those who like jeans that are decorated with patches, ornaments, etc want to show that they are unique and creative. They love thinking up new ideas and like changes.

Designer jeans.

Those who wear designer jeans, particularly from a well known designer, and love to show off that label to the world aren’t really satisfied with what they currently are, and are looking for that extra recognition from people around them.

Standard jeans

Those who like to wear standard blue jeans (not tight, baggy, decorated, etc) are content with their current status and lifestyle. They normally wear jeans only when it’s appropriate to do so. Sounds like a real gentleman or lady, doesn’t?

All styles of jeans

Some people do collect all types of jeans as listed above. This definitely shows that they also have a collection of personalities as well! One thing is for sure, these people are very adaptable, changing with the times, and probably get bored very quickly.

Exercise1. Brainstorm Look at the following list of fashionable items. Which things might not be suitable for wearing to school?

mini skirts	bikini tops	body piercing	tattoos
jeans with holes	tight jeans	fur coats	cropped tops
track suits	jazz pants	loose long hair (boys and girls)	hair gel or spray coloured hair
jewellery	platform shoes or very high heels	designer trainers	make up

• Can you think of the reasons why an item might not be suitable?

• Are any of these fashion items banned from your school?

Exercise2. Listen to an extract “Forced to wear a skirt” from the radio program and find out

• Which speaker is proud of their school uniform?

• Which item of clothing causes the most problems?

• Are the rules stricter than in your school?

• Are the rules the same for boys and for girls?

Exercise3. Read and compare your answers.

Forced to wear a skirt…. Each term the British press has reports of pupils being sent home from school. What is their crime? Not always bad behaviour. Sometimes it has something to do with fashion. Punk hair, rings in noses and dangerous heels can cause concern but some schools are prepared to send pupils home if their school uniform is too short. Pupils can’t resist the temptation to customise their uniform, change the style of their trousers, write on their ties or adapt their uniform jacket to suit the latest trends. UK students speak out: I hate wearing our school skirt. It is no longer acceptable for girls to have to wear skirts. Making us wear them is totally sexist. In winter we are freezing and the boys are nice and warm in their trousers! It isn’t fair. Emma, 15 Liverpool Three years ago the parents voted for a uniform. It has saved us all loads of money. Everyone looks smart in their school sweatshirt. I think it’s cool. We still have pressure to wear the latest trainers but at least there is no competition about clothes for school. Martin, 16 Northern Ireland My mate was sent home in June because the Head of Year said her skirt was too short. I mean, it’s ridiculous. I would like to wear long shorts when it is hot but that isn’t possible either. The skirts have to be knee length. It’s like being in prison. I don’t think it makes any difference to our school work or exam results!

Exercise4. Message board: Have your say Do you think it’s fair to ban young people wearing hoods and baseball caps from shopping centres?

Aisha, age 12, London. “I think it’s stupid to ban hoods and caps. People should be allowed to wear what they want. Clothes are part of your personality.”

Lily, age 13, Leicester. “I agree with this ban completely. Where I live there is a lot of crime and gangs wearing hoods and caps are really scary. If I am on my own and have to walk past a group of hoodies I get scared.”

Jade, age 15, Penarth. “There are so many rules against teenagers. I think adults should let us have some freedom to choose what we wear and what we do. There’s nothing wrong with hoods and caps, it’s just the fashion at the moment.”

Charlie, age 14, Yorkshire. “My friends and I get scared when we see gangs of hoodies in the street. Also if they do commit crime it’s hard to catch them on the CCTV because you can’t see their faces. I think they should be banned.”

Katie, age 16, Glasgow. “Just because you wear a hood or a cap doesn’t mean you’re a criminal. Adults don’t understand teenagers. Don’t the police have more important things to do than look for people who are wearing hoods? Respect for us teenagers, please!”

• Who do you agree with?

• Do you think the rule is a good idea?

• Are there any rules like this in your country?

Exercise5. Dress code: What to wear where? What do you think you should wear on these occasions? How formal do you think you should dress? Talk to your group and decide on what you should wear to each event.

A friend’s party:	A job interview:	Shopping with friends:
A relative’s wedding:	The theatre:	A prize giving:

Exercise 8 Dress code statements

• Everyone should be allowed to wear exactly what they want.   

• School uniform is a good idea.   

• Nobody should have to wear a uniform at school or work.   

• People should be free to choose their own hair style.   

• Image is very important.   

• Tattoos are a good way to express your personality.

Exercise8. Role play

	Student A is wearing something totally unsuitable for school. Try to justify your choice to the teacher. You must try to avoid being sent home to change.

	Student B: You are an angry teacher. Student A is wearing something totally unsuitable today. Ask him or her to go home and get changed. Explain your reasons.

Conversation practice: