How to face this chilly spring mornings without giving up style? Did you know this fashionable item has accompanied all the historical evolutions of fashion since the VIII century?

 Capes didn’t exist only in the fairytale world but they worn in history.

The ancestors of capes were the Roman toga and Greek himation. These are big rectangular ankle lenght which had soft fabric that were wrapped up around the body. It was an important garment because based on the quality of fabric, color and drapery technique, it established the status quo of who was wearing it.

The smaller versioıns were the Etruscan trabea and Greek clamide, thanks to easy wearability were worn by travelers during their trips and soldiers. The Roman way of dressing was a luxury model of imperial clamide. It was precious and worthy so emperors and empresses wore it. Made of purple silk and gold woven. This cape was a symbolization of absolute power.

Also in Italian Renaissance, long capes made of brocades and floral weaves. It was luxurious and worn by the nobility.

Some of the first capes in the early Renaissance were attached to women’s cover but over time the style of capes changed. For example Elizabeth I was known wear long capes to protect her feet from getting wet.

In 1700s , in the Victorias era, cape became very popular for women. Generaly in scarlet red and hooded cardinal cape was worn by nobil women.

In 1910s the cape was a fashion statement with the help of fashion designers. For example, French fashion designer Paul Poired designed very beautiful capes. He used soft and liberty style floral motive fabrics. He inspired bu Russian balet and Oriental culture.In 1911 Poiret created velvet model, Batik.

In 1920’s French designer Jeanne Lanvin designed capes.

In 1930s the cape was still a fashion statement for modern women, especially the fur ones. It was slung over shoulders to get to the opera or theatre.

In 1950s, France was cemter of the fashion and French couture houses influenced the world. Capes with matching hats and gloves was a popular look.

In 1960s, geometric and essential line designs of cape were popular. Designers such as Sorelle Fontana and Paco Robanne designed bell shaped and knee length capes.

In 1965 Emilio Pucci designed big colorful cape with a hood and decorated with print details.

In 1970s, capes became ethnical chic It inspired bu Peruvian poncho and handmade shawls.

The 80’s were a weak period for capes. But in ‘90s cape coats started to became popular again, thanks to designers such as Jean Paul Gaultier and Giorgio Armani.

In recent years capes became a fashion statement again. There are may reinterpretations.

I love capes so much and I have even a handmade cape collection. I designed in modern way. I used tulles for my cape collection. I love so wear it with shorts and dresses in spring and summer time. I highly recommend it. You can see my cape collection from here.

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