Clothes were made that had silver and gold wire interwoven in the cloth.
Sometimes costume jewelry, such as immitation (glass) diamonds,
emeralds, rubies, amethyst, etc., was woven into the cloth. Paillettes
(ornamental glittering spangles), mirrors, sequins, etc., were attached
to the cloth. Obviously such costumes could be heavy, but clothing such
as this was used upon the stage as it reflected light. Thus, clothes
were used to illuminate the person on stage. Candlelight reflecting
from these mirrors, glass, etc., was effective.
It should be recalled that on stage, light could emphasize gestures.
Thus mirrors, sequins, glass, metalic-thread were materials which
were used in clothing to create illumination. Girandoles (large
earrings) were used to illuminate, lending emphasis to the gesturing
head. Similarly, rings were used on fingers of the gesturing hand as
an illumination device. Neclaces were also used for illumination of
the gesturing body. Similarly, fans could illuminate the gesturing
hand, masks and hats could illuminate the gestring head, shoes can illuminate
the gesturing foot, combs and cauls can illuminate the hair or perukes
of the gesturing head, gold or silver thread can illluminate the body
(especially royal costumes).
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