Ridiculous History
History's Most Ridiculous Clothing, with AJ Jacobs: Part Two
May 1, 2025
AJ Jacobs, creator of "The Puzzler" and master of immersive journalism, returns to share hilarious insights into the world of absurd historical clothing. He discusses towering wigs, restrictive corsets, and their cultural implications leading up to the French Revolution. The conversation takes a whimsical turn with the connection between the ruff bird and fashion, alongside critiques of extravagant styles from King Louis XIV. Jacobs humorously explores nudism, societal clothing norms, and the delightful absurdity woven throughout fashion history.
36:34
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Quick takeaways
- Extravagant fashion like tall wigs in the French court exemplified the growing disparity between the rich and poor, fueling revolutionary sentiments.
- Historical issues surrounding corsets highlighted women's struggles for bodily autonomy and sparked movements toward more comfortable and healthier clothing choices.
Deep dives
The Rise of Wigs and Their Cultural Impact
Tall wigs were an extravagant fashion statement in the pre-revolutionary French court, particularly associated with figures like Marie Antoinette. These wigs could reach extraordinary heights and often contained various decorations, such as feathers and even taxidermied animals. The excessive use of resources for such hairstyles became a point of discontent among the starving peasant population, contributing to public outrage against the monarchy. Ultimately, these wigs served not only as a status symbol but also as a clear indicator of the widening gap between the rich and the poor, a factor in the growing tensions that led to the French Revolution.
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