Archive · 12 Jun 2025
Royals Shaped Modern Fashion: Corsets, Heels, and More
Royals have a big influence on fashion!
Before they were popular today, things like corsets, velvet, brooches, and heels were first worn by royals.
Queen Elizabeth I wore corsets, and velvet was only for kings.
Brooches were used for messages, and heels became a fashion statement thanks to Louis XIV.
Now, these styles are seen on runways and are worn by everyone.
Royalty influenced several modern fashion trends, including corsets, velvet, brooches, heels, and military-inspired jackets.
Corsets were popularized in 16th-century France by Queen Elizabeth I.
Velvet was initially exclusive to royalty and divinity, used for coronation gowns.
Brooches, a Victorian-era trend, were used by Queen Elizabeth II for diplomatic messages.
Heels were first worn by Persian royalty and later became a fashion statement under Louis XIV.
- Who
- Royalty, including Queen Elizabeth I and Louis XIV.
- What
- Several fashion trends originated with royalty and are popular today.
- When
- Trends originated from the 16th century through the Victorian era.
- Where
- France and other European courts.
- Why
- Royalty set fashion trends, which later became widely adopted.
Historical Context
Modern Trends
Exclusivity vs. Accessibility
Historical Context
Royal fashion was initially for exclusivity and symbolism.
Modern Trends
Modern fashion uses these styles widely.
- Corsets
- Popularized by Queen Elizabeth I
- Velvet
- Exclusive to royalty
- Brooches
- Used for diplomatic messages by Queen Elizabeth II
- Heels
- Made fashionable by Louis XIV
- Military Jackets
- Inspired by royal guards