View source for The Wild World Of 18th Century Giant Powdered Wigs

<br>In the opulent courts and bustling salons of the 18th century, fashion was as much about making a statement as it was about displaying one's social status. Among the most flamboyant symbols of this era were the giant powdered wigs, which towered above the heads of the elite, serving as both a status symbol and a testament to the era's extravagant tastes.<br><br><br><br>The origins of the powdered wig, or "peruke," can be traced back to the court of Louis XIII of France, who began wearing wigs to cover his premature balding. By the time his successor, Louis XIV, ascended to the throne, wigs had become a staple of aristocratic fashion. The Sun King himself was rarely seen without his flowing locks, setting a trend that would sweep across Europe.<br><br><br><br>By the 18th century, wigs had evolved into elaborate constructions, often towering several feet high. These wigs were not merely hairpieces; they were works of art. Crafted from human, horse, or goat hair, they were meticulously styled and adorned with ribbons, flowers, and even miniature replicas of ships or gardens. The larger and more ornate the wig, the higher the status it conferred upon its wearer.<br><br><br><br>The process of maintaining these wigs was as elaborate as their construction. Wigs were powdered with a mixture of starch and scented with lavender or orange flower water to keep them fresh. This powdering was not only a fashion statement but also a practical measure to combat the odors and pests that could plague these hairpieces.  In case you loved this post and [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/XkoVcNJsR98 you will love history videos] would like to receive much more information with regards to [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4msWGmNh18 michael jackson video history tour] please visit our web-page. Wig powdering became such a ritual that special rooms were dedicated to the task, complete with masks to protect the wearer's face from the fine dust.<br><br><br><br>The wigs were supported by wire frames and pads to add volume and height, requiring wearers to tilt their heads carefully to navigate doorways and carriages. The sheer size and weight of these wigs often necessitated the assistance of servants, who would help in the dressing and maintenance of these towering coiffures.<br><br><br><br>While initially a fashion reserved for men, women soon adopted the trend, taking it to even greater extremes. Ladies of the court would compete to see who could wear the most extravagant wigs, with some styles reaching such heights that they had to be adjusted to fit under carriage roofs. These wigs were not just about fashion; they were a means of expressing one's creativity and individuality in a society governed by strict social hierarchies.<br><br><br><br>However, the trend for massive wigs began to wane towards the end of the century, as the French Revolution brought about a shift in societal values. The extravagance embodied by the wigs became a symbol of the excesses of the aristocracy, and simpler styles began to take precedence. The powdered wig, once the crowning glory of the elite, became a relic of a bygone era.<br><br><br><br>Today, the giant powdered wigs of the 18th century are remembered as a fascinating chapter in the [https://www.youtube.com/shorts/e5BGPTNPZ2o green bay packers history videos] of fashion. They serve as a reminder of a time when style was synonymous with spectacle, and when the height of one's hair could signify the height of one's social standing. These wigs, with their grandeur and absurdity, continue to capture the imagination, offering a glimpse into the wild world of 18th-century fashion.<br><br>