Queen Elizabeth I was one of the most successful and celebrated queens in British history. While her reign is widely recognized as the Golden Age, her iconic fashion choices and distinctive style should also be remembered. Her clothing preferences carried deep symbolic significance and helped shape her image as the legendary ‘Virgin Queen’. But could her distinctive makeup have ultimately led to her demise?
As seen in the portraits, she had pale skin and light red-gold hair. She exaggerated these features, especially her complexion. A reasonable explanation is that a snow-white complexion symbolizes wealth and nobility. The primary product she used was called ceruse, a mixture of white lead and vinegar. Another concoction included sulfur, turpentine, and mercury to bleach freckles. These toxic ingredients caused her skin to turn gray and shrivel as she aged.
As mentioned in the first paragraph, to embody the ‘Virgin Queen’ image, she dressed in elaborate gowns made of rich fabrics, accessorized with jewels and intricate details. Through her attire, she projected a sense of wealth and high status. Dresses also served as a means of expressing social hierarchy, and she believed that one’s dress should reflect, but not surpass, their rank. To protect her reign and status, she continued enforcing the Sumptuary Laws—originally introduced by Henry VIII—until 1600. For example, only duchesses, marchionesses, and countesses were allowed to wear gold cloth, tissue, kirtles, partlets, and sleeves. Other dress restrictions were imposed on different social classes as well.
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