The first Byzantine reflected both in Greek and Roman styles, but the influences of East and Middle East came to prevail. Both men and women wore heavy earrings necklaces gemstones, rings and brooches of gold, pearls and precious stones. Special attention is the art of enamel, which was imported from Persia and from there spread to the rest of Europe. Glazing techniques including cloisonné enamel, which consists of a thin layer of enamel white or light blue with gold inlaid between the wires slightly elevated, flourished between the ages 9 and 11.
Textiles
Byzantine dress characterized by the richness of its materials. Silk, taffeta, damask, velvet, tapestry, brocade, linen, wool, cotton is used all. The colors were bright and weaving techniques – special. The textile industry was the envy of Western Europe in more than one occasion tried to steal their skills, but in vain.
An interesting episode would play an important role in the history of fashion. Up to 552 silk imported from China and the manufacture of silk is still a mystery. Then, two Persian monks smuggled back a hollow bamboo cane that were hidden in the hundreds of silkworm eggs and mulberry seeds needed to grow the leaves they feed on worms. This would end the monopoly of the silk trade. Byzantine silk, known as silk cloth, was thick and strong, similar to brocade today. It may be embroidered with gold thread woven mesh or by gold leaf.
The textile industry grew rapidly during the Byzantine era of prosperity (9 to 13 century). The travelers, pilgrims and crusaders contributed to the spread of Byzantine fabrics, although expensive fabrics were prohibited export.
The headgear
Hats were not commonly used by the Byzantines, the only exception of the straw hat and skullcap Petasos Greek. Head dress, however, become an intricate part of the court and ecclesiastical dress. Nobility wore crowns and ornaments designed by skilled jewelers. Church dignitaries infula wore – a filet with knots of white wool, adorned with jewels and gold embroidery. Bishops and cardinals wore the cap in different colors, which marked their rank. robes of the monks had a fireplace that could be pulled over the head.
The tiara worn by Constantine became a band of fabric decorated with precious stones and tied behind the head, called Stephanos. As the Stephanos changed – pendants and chains have been added, which hung over the temples and cheeks – his name has also changed, but was called stemma. Theodora’s crown was decorated with a diadem of precious stones. Cabello was conducted on the networks, sometimes decorated with pearls or beads.
In the thirteenth century, began to wear a tiara oval empresses Sassanian origin, which would become the skiradion used by the dignitaries in the fourteenth century. It was red, green or white, and it was with gold brocade and pearls sewn. Another tiara was a circle topped by a tall plume. The calyptra, used by the emperors, was in the form of a polygon arc.
Hairstyles
Byzantine styling shared both Roman and Eastern influences. The women wore long hair and hair styles developed under a turban or a necklace of pearls in it. Men’s hair was short, cropped style bob with a fringe on the forehead or the average length and away from the crown. Church dignitaries shaved the crown of his head. Short, trimmed beard and mustache became popular in the ninth century.
Footwear
Footwear was very oriental in style, colors and materials. Men and women wore silk shoes embroidered and adorned with gold and precious stones. They can be in vibrant shades of green, blue, red, plum, violet, or simple black, gray and brown. Shoes include calf boots and slippers with precious stones.
Makeup & Personal Care
Public baths were as popular in Byzantium as they were in Rome. Byzantines were aware of the importance of good hygiene. Cosmetics had lost its value, but the perfume was a thriving industry. The strategic position of the empire made of ingredients imported from China, India, and Persia and relatively easy. Perfumers occupied a prominent place in society as between artisans and large bazaars of Constantinople, and Spicers perfumiers had their own special place – a market of the Emperor’s Palace and Hagia Sophia.