Discover the history of fashion in Corsica
The Isle of Beauty is renowned for its magnificent landscapes, between beaches and mountains, and many choose it as a vacation destination. But, behind its peaceful exterior, Corsica has experienced a turbulent past, particularly with struggles for independence against the Republic of Genoa and then France, not to mention periods of misery and poverty. All this history has had an impact on many areas, and particularly on the history of fashion in Corsica. Discover Corsican fashion and its history now!
Corsica, a French but traditional territory
Between the 18th and 20th centuries, France tried to impose its customs, but the Corsicans resisted, among other things by wearing traditional costumes.
The traditional Corsican costume for men consists of a thick linen shirt, a warm jacket, large breeches, and sheep's wool gaiters. Men also wear velvet or boar skin caps.
The traditional costume of Corsican women consists of a leotard under a linen shirt and a long dress, often dark blue or black, with numerous petticoats and gaiters. Corsican women often cover their heads with a bonnet or veil. During events, Corsican women wore a long dress that they folded over their heads: the faldetta.
Corsican artisanal manufacturing, ancestral know-how
Corsican women have always woven and spun various materials alongside their daily tasks. Their work was sufficient to produce the fabric needed to create the accoutrements of all Corsica. Several fabrics were used, depending on the function and thickness of the desired garment:
- flax
- sheep's wool
- goat hair
Linen is a fairly fine material, very useful for close-fitting clothing, such as women's leotards. Black sheep's wool, very sturdy, was used to create jackets and trousers for men. White sheep hair was used for women's petticoats and vests.
Finally, goat hair was used to make very warm clothing, especially for shepherds' coats since they were very often outside and sometimes slept in the wild in very cold temperatures.
Current fashion in Corsica, combining tradition and modernism
An island that attracts locals and tourists alike, Corsica is a land at the heart of fashion. A fabulous blend of French style and a laid-back look, Corsican fashion offers a wide range of outfits, both comfortable and elegant. The Corsican population dresses in a fairly classic and neutral style, paying attention to the quality of the garment and the cut of each piece.
Many small designer businesses have been established in Corsica, offering high-quality and modern items. The desire to make clothes that become the key piece of the outfit allows these companies to be renowned on the island. These Corsican companies highlight artisanal know-how thanks to the made-in-Corsica clothing, in ancestral workshops. In addition to Benoa ( we tell you more about our history here ), we can think of Maison Macci or the Cécile Casabianca brand.
For islanders who love fashion, there's a fashion-related design school in Ajaccio: Sup Design Corse. Other courses are also available, whether you prefer to create and follow trends or craft a garment by hand while learning professional techniques.
Corsica is a region rich in history, but it's also proud of its ancestral know-how, particularly in the creation of clothing. Corsican fashion combines respect for tradition with a touch of modernism for trendy, high-quality clothing.
Corsica and the designers of bags and jewelry
For years, Corsica has stood out for the production of handcrafted bags and jewelry. Thus, the history of Corsican fashion continues with these essential accessories to complete a trendy outfit.
Bags made by Corsican workshops ensure the production of eco-friendly accessories and the development of the local economy. Among the most used materials throughout history for making these bags are leather, but also sponge. Leather allows for the creation of elegant and durable bags.
A material like terry cloth is soft, absorbent and lightweight, making it perfect for a thousand occasions: lounging on the beach , by the pool or shopping. Some bags are even made with a water-repellent lining to perfectly match the daily life of Corsicans who enjoy going to the beach regularly.
The Corsican workshops that develop these products have a social vocation by collaborating with socio-professional workshops, and work using materials from the short circuit, particularly those from mainland France.
The history of Corsica and fashion must also include jewelry making. Among Corsican artisan jewelers, some have been renowned for crafting Mediterranean coral jewelry for many years. This expertise is passed down year after year. A truly colorful lucky charm, coral cut by a Corsican artisan is an original and elegant accessory to wear in France and around the world.