During the witch hysteria in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century, clothing choices played a significant role in how individuals were perceived and even accused of witchcraft. The puritanical society placed great emphasis on modesty, simplicity, and adherence to strict social norms, and any deviation from these ideals, whether intentional or unintentional, could bring suspicion upon an individual. **Clothing inspired by the witch hysteria in Salem reveals the deep-seated beliefs and fears of the people and reflects the oppressive nature of the society during this time**. In this repressive society, women were expected to dress in long, plain dresses made of simple materials, such as wool or linen, without any embellishments or adornments. The concept of "less is more" prevailed, and anything perceived as extravagant or out of the ordinary was viewed with suspicion. Women who deviated from these plain garments by wearing clothing that was more colorful, with intricate embroidery or lace, were often viewed as attention-seeking or disruptive.
19th Century:
The woman in the painting is not a witch; she s just an upper class grandmother posing with her rambunctious and brightly-dressed grandchildren on a cool autumn day. Every October, almost as if by magic, our Instagram and Pinterest feeds are invaded by a single image of Kate Moss, in which the model walks Martine Sitbon spring summer 1993 catwalk wearing a sort of long tunic, a pointed hat and clutching a cigarette with a mouthpiece in her hands, almost as if it were a magic wand.
Women who deviated from these plain garments by wearing clothing that was more colorful, with intricate embroidery or lace, were often viewed as attention-seeking or disruptive. **Clothing seen as too flamboyant or unconventional could easily be misinterpreted as a sign of witchcraft, leading to accusations**. The color black had a particularly significant association during the witch hysteria in Salem.
Fashion's obsession with witches
Black clothing was traditionally worn during mourning, and it was also a symbol of sin or evil. In a society saturated with fear and paranoia, wearing black or dark-colored garments could easily draw attention and suspicion. Women accused of witchcraft were often described as wearing black or dark clothing, further perpetuating this association between witchcraft and dark attire. **Black clothing became a visual representation of the supposed malevolence and wickedness associated with witches**. Accessories and personal grooming also played a role in fueling witchcraft accusations. Women accused of witchcraft were often singled out for their peculiar choices in accessories or grooming habits. For example, long, unkempt hair was viewed as a sign of witchcraft, and women who wore jewelry, such as necklaces or rings, could be seen as practicing sorcery or engaging in forbidden rituals. **The meticulous observation and judgment of even the smallest details of a person's appearance could contribute to the suspicion and accusations of witchcraft**. The clothing inspired by the witch hysteria in Salem provides a glimpse into the oppressive and intolerant society of the time. The puritanical ideals of modesty and conformity were so deeply ingrained that any deviation from them, whether intentional or not, could result in accusations of witchcraft. The association of black clothing with evil and sin further demonized those who did not conform. Additionally, the scrutiny and judgment of personal grooming and accessories created an atmosphere of suspicion and paranoia. **Clothing choices during this period were not just a matter of personal style but could be a matter of life or death**..
Reviews for "Witchy Fashion: Capturing the Spirit of Salem's Witch Hysteria"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with the "Clothing inspired by the witch hysteria in Salem" collection. I feel like the theme was completely missed and instead what we got was a mishmash of dark and gothic pieces that lacked creativity and originality. The designs felt predictable and generic, nothing that screamed Salem or witch hysteria to me. The quality of the garments was also subpar, with loose threads and poorly stitched seams. Overall, I expected more from this collection and it fell flat.
2. Emily - 1 star
I cannot express how much I disliked the "Clothing inspired by the witch hysteria in Salem" collection. The designs were tacky and tasteless, using cheap fabrics that looked and felt like they would fall apart after one wear. The collection lacked cohesion and seemed more focused on cashing in on the witch trend rather than paying homage to Salem's dark history. I expected more depth and thoughtfulness in the designs, but all I got was disappointment. Save your money and look elsewhere for clothes that actually reflect the concept they claim to be inspired by.
3. Rachel - 2 stars
The "Clothing inspired by the witch hysteria in Salem" collection was a missed opportunity. The designs lacked the sophistication and elegance that I was hoping for. Instead, what I found were oversized sweaters with generic occult symbols and clichéd phrases printed on them. The collection lacked creativity and seemed to rely heavily on stereotypes rather than delving deeper into the fascinating history of witchcraft in Salem. Overall, I was underwhelmed and left wanting more from this collection.