CRAZY COUTURE

Would you be able to walk on 20-inch-tall platform shoes?

Image: Birmingham Museums Trust

Do you meticulously plan your outfits? Or are you the seize-the-first-thing-you-find type, prioritizing comfort over glamor? Whatever your style strategy, there's no denying the fundamental role that clothing plays in our daily lives.

From ancient times to the present day, fashion has been an integral part of human expression. Yet, in the ever-evolving world of style, some trends stand out for their, let's say, rarity.

Even if you think you've seen it all, you won't believe these 10 crazy fashion trends that reigned at different times in history.

Image: Tomas Robertson

Loose sleeves can be a problem. They may get in the way while you use your keyboard, or worse, dive into your soup while trying to get dinner. If you find this unbearable, imagine wearing a coat with sleeves that reach all the way to the floor. These garments existed, and they were called bliauts.

In the 12th and 13th centuries, people wore these thin coats with snug waists. Notably, the sleeves started narrow and widened from the elbow, eventually reaching the ground.

Of course, this attire wasn't just a fashion choice; it also spoke about social status. The extensive sleeves were a luxury enjoyed by those exempt from manual labor.

Image: Kalon

Do you think today's high heels are a pain? If so, maybe you're not ready for the wild world of chopines. These footwear, popular from the 15th to 17th centuries, were platform shoes that could reach an incredible 20 inches in height! Yes, you read it right; they were practically stilts.

But why? Well, these platforms served a practical purpose: to protect clothing from the water and mud that filled the streets at the time.

But they were not just about practicality; they were also a proclamation: The higher the platforms, the higher the social status of the wearer.

Image: Europeana

Have you ever spotted those cone-shaped collars on dogs trying to keep their paws off a wound? Those have a nickname; they're called "Elizabethan collars." It's not because dogs suddenly developed a taste for fashion. There's another reason behind the name.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the days of Queen Elizabeth I of England, upper-class people wore these large neck ruffs every single day. These things actually looked like something out of a vet's office.

Made of linen, neck ruffs were very popular in Europe at the time. If you've ever caught a period movie, you've likely seen them stealing the scene. It seems that discomfort was a symbol of abundance.

Image: Cristina Gottardi

Before minimalism swept in, bringing simple, lightweight clothing to give our bodies a break, fashion was very different. Exaggeration was the key.

And it wasn't just about clothes and shoes; hair also played a starring role. In the 18th century, huge white or gray wigs stole the spotlight. And, in case you hadn't already guessed, they were made of human or animal hair.

The taller and bulkier the wig, the more elevated its owner's social situation. Marge Simpson would have been a sensation back then.

Sure, our computers and cell phones might give our backs a hard time, but the neck issues these 18th-century people faced would've been on a whole other level.

Image: Johnny Briggs

Would you believe us if we told you that, some centuries ago, hat-making was a risky job? Crafting hats is not a simple task; it takes talent. But in the 18th and 19th centuries, this job reached a new level of difficulty, as it involved the use of mercury!

Mercury played a central role in treating fur, the primary material used to craft the felt hats of that era.

As these hats gained popularity, so did the unfortunate rise of mercury poisoning, giving birth to the "mad hatter" phenomenon. Both hatters and the gentlemen who sported these accessories were unwittingly taking this bizarre risk.

Image: Birmingham Museums Trust

Have you ever wondered what it'd be like to wear metal clothing? Sounds futuristic, right? Well, you might be surprised to know that in the mid-19th century, women wore a sort of metal structure beneath their dresses.

These garments, known as crinolines, were originally made of horsehair and cotton, but they changed their composition over the years. Eventually, they became these metal frames called steel cage crinolines.

That's right, women of the time adopted these heavy metal hoops, not only burdening themselves with extra weight but also sacrificing comfort along the way.

Image: Mark Stoop

If you thought petticoats made of metal hoops were a bit much, just wait, because the 19th century has more to offer!

Towards the end of that century, a fashion craze emerged that was as wild as it was controversial: wearing tiny live lizards as accessories.

Although it sounds like a joke, it was a real (and cruel) fad. Women would casually attach these reptiles to their clothes, and the little animals would stroll around, holding onto the fabric as part of the outfit. This peculiar trend had discomfort written all over it!

Image: Olga Thelavart

Fashion is as fluid as a river, constantly changing. Since the 20th century, this characteristic has become even more dynamic, giving rise to some trends that didn't last long decades or centuries but were more like quick stylistic experiments of a few months.

That is the case of paper dresses, which had their moment of popularity during the 1960s. Driven by the avant-garde spirit and the search for novelty, these dresses were accessible to everyone, which marks a difference from the elitist fashions we have seen so far.

In addition, they were disposable, a sharp contrast to today's fashion scene, where it's all about recycling and giving new life to the old.

Image: Ricardo Gomez Angel

Oh, the fashion choices of the 90s and early 2000s. We thought we were rocking it, but a glance at the red carpet of that time is enough to understand how wrong we were.

The turn-of-the-century look revolutionized style in the Western hemisphere, with pop and hip-hop music beating everywhere. This type of music brought with it a rather peculiar style.

Sagging jeans were worn mostly by rappers and other male urban artists. These pants weren't just oversized; they were colossal, hanging so low they'd purposefully reveal the wearer's underwear.

While many argue it was a protest against the rigid norms of fashion, let's be real: they weren't exactly easy on the eyes.

Image: Rune Enstad

Just a couple of years ago, fashion pulled another unexpected twist. Hair took the spotlight. However, this time, it was all about facial hair.

Eyebrows play a crucial role in shaping your look. That's why, since around 2010, many women and men have adopted the habit of letting their eyebrows grow, meticulously combing and grooming them.

Fast forward to 2020, and this eyebrow trend took a sharp turn. Suddenly, it was in vogue to bleach the eyebrows, resulting in an unnatural look.

This trend had already been around during the extravagant 90s but recently returned as a friendly reminder that not every style comeback is a hit.

Do you have what it takes?

10 science-backed signs you're a natural-born leader

Image: Jehyun Sung

Whether it’s at school, among friends, in college, at work, or even in times of crisis, there’s always someone who steps up to lead. While some people find themselves pushed into leadership roles and simply do their best, research suggests that natural leaders are born with certain qualities. Here are 10 key traits that define if you are a good leader; see how many you’ve got!

Image: Ronda Dorsey

Nothing builds trust like consistency. People who say one thing and do another quickly lose credibility, while effective leaders lead with integrity, keep their word, and follow through. Their actions match their words, and that earns respect.

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If people feel comfortable coming to you with ideas, that’s a strong sign of natural leadership. Great leaders make others feel heard, respected, and valued, qualities that inspire trust and cooperation.

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Good leaders don’t just know how to do the job; they also empower others to shine in theirs. Delegating tasks shows that you trust your team and believe in their abilities. When people feel you trust them, they feel empowered, they’re more motivated to give their best, and the whole group benefits.

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Even the best leaders fail at times. In fact, difficult moments often reveal what kind of leader you are. A strong leader knows how to manage frustration, takes responsibility for mistakes (whether their own or their team’s), learns from them, and stays open to new ideas.

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Just as failure tests a leader’s character, so does success. True leaders stay grounded, continue to work hard, and celebrate victories while giving credit where it’s due. They know that great achievements are the result of teamwork, not egos.

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A great leader knows how to listen, offer thoughtful advice, and suggest practical solutions. When others turn to you in moments of doubt or difficulty, it’s because they see you as someone who provides guidance and support without judgment or negativity.

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Strong leaders understand that everyone’s voice matters. They listen to different perspectives and seek solutions that work for everyone, without getting stuck in their own way of doing things. Open-mindedness allows a leader to manage people and resources wisely, creating a positive and collaborative environment.

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Leadership isn’t always easy. At times, it requires setting boundaries and reminding others of the goals ahead. An effective leader knows how to be firm and decisive without losing empathy.

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A natural leader shines when things get tough. In moments of problems or uncertainty, they stay calm, think clearly, and use their problem-solving skills to guide the team forward. Instead of panicking, they help everyone stay focused, positive, and motivated.

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Leadership isn’t about sitting back and giving orders. Real leaders roll up their sleeves and work alongside their team, often even harder. They set the tone through dedication and example, putting in the effort even after everyone else has gone home.