The Golden Civilisation

In 2010 I think Aztec fashion might be seeping back into the fashion world with its amazing colourful dresses and stunning jewellery to rival the best jewellery ever made, especially the gorgeous looking jade they used. The bright colours used remind one of a Vincent Van Gogh panting, the intense yellows, dark reds, ravishing greens and stunning gold leaf make anyone who wears this style of clothes stand out from the crowd.

The Aztec people were certain ethnic groups of central Mexico particularly those groups who spoke the natural languages and who dominated large parts of Mesoamerica in the 14th, 15th and 16th centuries.

Several pages from a book written around this time list tributary towns along with the goods they supplied, which included not only luxuries such as feathers, adorned suits, and greenstone beads, but more practical goods such as cloth, firewood, and food. The main city of the empire was positioned where Mexico City now stands.

Archaeological excavations in the Aztec-ruled provinces show that incorporation into the empire had both costs and benefits for provincial people. On the positive side, the empire promoted commerce and trade, and exotic goods from obsidian to bronze managed to reach the houses of both commoners and nobles. Trade partners included the enemy tarasacn, a source of bronze tools and fine jewellery.

In general the basic village in Aztec civilisation was inhabited by large families and wild animals, the children often ran around naked as this made them feel more connected to the earth while men wore loincloths which were normally coloured in green or brown fabric. The wealthier the person the more elegant the clothes looked. For example wealthy men dressed in brightly coloured and intricately patterned clothes embellished with embroidery, feathers, or golden or shell beads. Also men of the village in colder weather would wear over their loincloths extra shirts and sometimes cloaks. Meanwhile Aztec women wore dresses made from a wrapped piece of fabric, or ankle-length tunic dresses. None of the clothing was cut to fit to the body. Any holes needed for the head were left during the weaving process, and cloth was ready to wear straight off the weaving device.

Also professional weavers created an intricate cloth called Cumbi cloth, which was woven with geometric designs of many colours. Cumbi cloth was used as a tax payment to the emperor and for ceremonial clothing. It was so important that it was worn by the emperor himself and his family.

Many high street shops this year will be selling Aztec print dresses and Aztec themed accessories. Also this spring see the release of Jean Paul Gaultier Aztec themed line of clothes. He visited London last year and went to an exhibition about the Aztecs, it seem to me that he has been heavily infused by that exhibition. His new Aztec fashion I think will be a big hit with the general public as in this time of economic problems and the worst recession since the 30s, I think that a bit of Aztec colour and design will brighten up people’s life.

An Article By Luke Ritta