Bridal Habit of a Grecian Lady in 1700

by Thomas Jefferys

Take a step back in time with this magnificent copper engraving by Thomas Jefferys, the celebrated cartographer and geographer of King George III. Herein lies an opportunity to delve into the fashion trends of a Grecian Lady in the early days of the Enlightenment period.

Contrary to the austere “Grecian” fashion of the Regency period, this fashion engraving from the start of the 18th century is a blend of different cultural elements and reflects the complexity of the times. It shows the intricate details of the Zunari (girdle), the Kaftan-style coat, and the headdress which denotes her social status and transition into marriage. This is one of Jeffery’s many works aimed at bringing the “exotic” styles of the Eastern Mediterranean into the fashionable culture of London.