Throughout history, the pursuit of beauty has witnessed ever-changing fashion trends, yet a persistent theme has been the inherent risks involved. From Adam and Eve resorting to uncomfortable fig leaves as accessories, the desire to make a lasting impression through attire has remained steadfast. Here, we explore a collection of fashion atrocities that not only defy societal norms but should have been deemed unlawful.
Chopines
Italians know shoes. Perhaps it’s because their country resembles the shape of a boot. Gucci, Prada, and Salvatore Ferragamo all hold court in the pantheon of leather gods. However, Italy is also responsible for the 15th-century footwear fiasco called Chopines. As a precursor to the high heel, chopines were platform clogs typically made from wood or cork that protected wearers from mud and filth in the streets of Venice.
Tudor Ruffs
Unlike pet cones that prevent your dog from licking his wounds, the Tudor Ruff served no real practical purpose other than making necks of the Elizabethan age extremely uncomfortable.
Foot Binding
Practiced by women in China for over a thousand years, foot-binding involved deforming the feet of young girls to permanently fit into a tiny Lotus shoe. Fetishizing small feet also held far-reaching social and economic implications in Chinese culture. The prospects of marriage often depended on it — in which the most desirable bride possessed a three-inch foot, known as a “golden lotus
Stiff High Collar
The detachable collar, made from highly starched fabric, provided the convenience of not having to change their shirt every day. But the stiffened material also threatened to cut off the blood supply to the carotid artery in the neck. As a result, this seemingly benign fashion accessory turned into a deadly weapon, killing scores of men in the Edwardian era.
Hobble Skirts
The term “slave to fashion” certainly applies to the hobble skirt, replicating the same effect as wearing leg irons. Nonetheless, this early prototype of the pencil skirt enjoyed a brief but popular run in the early 20th century despite severely restricting movement. The ankle-length design featured a narrow hem, forcing women to walk in small, measured steps.