Elizabeth the movie was released in 1998 and starred Cate Blanchette as Queen Elizabeth I of England. The plot centers on her development as an aggressive and assertive ruler from her beginnings as a romantic, naive and oblivious teenager. It shows her love for Robert Dudley and her decision to commit herself to ruling England, ushering its Golden Age.
The ruff collar appeared in the 16th century and has become on of the icons of Elizabethan and Shakespearean time. According to Wikipedia: The ruff which was worn by men, women and children, evolved from the small fabric ruffle at the drawstring neck of the shirt or chemise. They served as changeable pieces of cloth that could themselves be laundered while keeping the wearer's doublet from becoming soiled at the neckline. From its functional roots, it took on symbolic as well as aesthetic meaning. Wearing a ruff collar enhanced feminine beauty and since wearing it was so difficult, it was also seen as a sign of dignity. You cannot slouch while wearing a ruff collar, after all.
This fashion trend, while not in its pure form but in its derivatives have been making appearances in Alternative Fashions and Haute Couture for the past couple of years. I have also seen it in some ready-to-wear tops and gowns (the most notable one is Lady Gaga's Red Latex Gown by Atsuko Kudo also known as the Red Gown She Wore When Lady Gaga Met The Queen of England) Another designer who took inspiration from this collar is British designer, Gareth Pugh. His version of the ruff collar in his collection for Spring RTW 2009 was pretty straightforward, not changing the form of the ruff collar too much.
Cate Blanchette as Elizabeth I of England
The Designer, Gareth Pugh.
Gareth Pugh, Spring 2009 RTW
-Lyra Kristine Meneses
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