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.