Replicas of Egyptian costumes are very popular for Halloween parties as well as for themed parties throughout the year. One of the most popular is, of course, the Egyptian costume that pays tribute to one of the most famous pharaohs of the period, namely Cleopatra.
A Little History and the Egyptian Costume
From a historical viewpoint it is not exactly clear whether or not Cleopatra was a beautiful woman as accounts vary. However, it is universally accepted and all accounts confirm the fact that she was incredibly attractive in her manner as well as in looks. Whether it was her power or her beauty that made her so attractive to the men in her life, we shall never know the truth. Cleopatra would have worn a number of different styles and this fact, coupled with her legendary status, has made her an excellent influence for the Egyptian costume we see today in retail stores. However, one has to wonder what the real Cleopatra VII Philopater would have worn.
The Egyptian Costume and Hellenic Influences
Cleopatra would have most likely worn styles that were heavily influenced by Greek fashion for her daily garb as she was descended from a family that hailed from Greece but had ruled Egypt since the death of Alexander the Great. Her outfit would have consisted of an under-dress made of linen and a long robe worn on top made of the same fabric. She would also have worn an outer cloak if she conformed completely to the Greek and Roman styles of the period.
However, it should be remembered that Egyptian climate was much warmer than that of Greece or Rome so it is quite possible that Cleopatra’s Egyptian Halloween costume would have consisted of fewer pieces. The colors mentioned in reference to her clothing are all bright and have little to do with the eternal white she is always portrayed as wearing in the movies or on stage. She would have worn clothing ranging from scarlet, to purple, yellow and blue, just to name a few. Therefore, an Egyptian costume for Halloween does not necessarily need to be white if one is impersonating Cleopatra, even though the majority are.
Cleopatra’s Egyptian Costume for State Affairs
For formal affairs Cleopatra seemed to dress as the goddess Isis, according to Plutarch, which would have meant a more traditional Egyptian costume, lacking in Hellenic or Roman influence. If she dressed according to the ancient paintings of Isis, then her dress would have been a tight tunic with shoulder straps to hold the dress up. Paintings depict the dress as having alternating bands of color including dark green, pale red and a grayish green.
A headdress to complete this Egyptian costume of Isis would have been compulsory. It featured a round disk that was supported by two vipers which had ears of corn next to them. She would have also worn the staple makeup of the time, namely kohl around her eyes as well as ochre on her lips.
