Emerita
the look of death
- Jan 16, 2025
- 309
During the French Revolution, a period known as the "Reign of Terror" resulted in many casualties at the guillotine. In post revolutionary France, a radical social change emerged as relatives of the guillotine's victims began hosting exclusive balls for themselves (though the balls are alleged). This new subculture brought about trends that visually represented their grief. With the fashion statements being done or more notably observed in women but men as well.
One trend was the "guillotine haircut," where women chopped off their hair to expose their necks or pinned the hair up flat and the ends almost like bangs, symbolizing the fate of those who faced execution. They dressed themselves with red shawls, scarves, or chokers to signify where the blade would sever their necks. This fashion was reminiscent of the attire worn by the executed, particularly inspired by the infamous Charlotte Corday, who wore a similar shawl before her death.
Their style often mirrored the undergarments of the executed, featuring low-cut designs that were considered scandalous at the time. Some even went out without any shoes as the executed were barefoot. These individuals became known as "fashion victims," intentionally dressing in a way that mirrored the victims of the guillotine. This stark contrast to the previous fashion of elaborate big wigs and gowns the new look provided a cathartic outlet for those who survived the revolution.
It's interesting to see how public mourning has influenced fashion throughout history. Historically, wearing black during mourning held significant meaning. While black is still worn at funerals we do not see it in the same way, it's rather not as social symbol for grief outside of those services. Have we lost the fashion of mourning? Could we ever see a style in the case of those grieving suicide? What would the fashion even look like?
One trend was the "guillotine haircut," where women chopped off their hair to expose their necks or pinned the hair up flat and the ends almost like bangs, symbolizing the fate of those who faced execution. They dressed themselves with red shawls, scarves, or chokers to signify where the blade would sever their necks. This fashion was reminiscent of the attire worn by the executed, particularly inspired by the infamous Charlotte Corday, who wore a similar shawl before her death.
Their style often mirrored the undergarments of the executed, featuring low-cut designs that were considered scandalous at the time. Some even went out without any shoes as the executed were barefoot. These individuals became known as "fashion victims," intentionally dressing in a way that mirrored the victims of the guillotine. This stark contrast to the previous fashion of elaborate big wigs and gowns the new look provided a cathartic outlet for those who survived the revolution.
It's interesting to see how public mourning has influenced fashion throughout history. Historically, wearing black during mourning held significant meaning. While black is still worn at funerals we do not see it in the same way, it's rather not as social symbol for grief outside of those services. Have we lost the fashion of mourning? Could we ever see a style in the case of those grieving suicide? What would the fashion even look like?
