Forbidden Fashions

Have you heard of sumptuary laws? Well this is a special rule that controlled who could wear luxurious clothes and who had to dress in boring wool. Shocking! In China during the 1680’s, yellow clothes were banned for all except the emperor’s friends and family. In the 14th century only nobles in China were allowed to wear buttons because they were made out of jade. In England in 1337 King Edward III ruled that nobody less important than a knight could wear fur. Think it’s absurd? Beware! In 15th century Mexican law you were executed if you wore jewelry grander than was allowed! Craving for more fashion information? Check out the book “Would you believe…in 1500, platform shoes were outlawed?” Enjoy!