Medieval Motifs in Modern Clothing
Art historian Ekaterina Bychkova will give a lecture showing how elements of medieval clothing influence modern collections. The event will take place on January 30 at the Indigo Hotel in St. Petersburg.
Feb 18, 2026 0
An illustration showing medieval garments such as surcoats and houppelandes, which influence contemporary fashion designs.
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Many terms of medieval fashion, such as «surcoat», «houppelande», or «pigace» (a medieval garment), are little-known today. However, details of these historical outfits are often traced in the works of modern designers. The lecture «Costume of the Middle Ages and the Fashion of Modern Knights» will tell about the connection between eras.
For example, the surcoat — a sleeveless cloak or cape — originally protected knights« metal armor from overheating and rust. It was also worn by monks and women. In the 15th century, the surcoat temporarily went out of fashion, which was even referred to as the »period without surcoat«.
Lecturer Ekaterina Bychkova, an art and costume historian, methodologist at the Hermitage, will explain how the cut arose and why the concept of «Burgundian fashion» became established in history.
The lecture will take place on January 30 at 19:00 at the Indigo St.Petersburg-Tchaikovskogo Hotel at the address: 17 Tchaikovsky Street. Details can be found on the hotel«s website.
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