Fashion, a precise usage of textiles to clothe the body appropriate to the time period is introduced in Bible scriptures Exodus 28:6-12 using Aaron as its subject. Aaron was appointed by God as the first High Priest among the Jewish people in 1320 BC. He was Moses younger brother. While Moses was away on Mt. Sinai as a command from God, Aaron was left in charge of the Jews that escaped bondage in Egypt as they wandered the desert. It is within this segment of the Torah and Old Testament that speaks of garments to the extent in which these first writings of fashion manifest today.
The High Priest garment originated as an ephod, a breastplate, a tunic, the Mitre as his millinery, linen, breeches, and a girdle. He wore no shoes or coverings over his feet. The purpose of this clothing was for glorifying God and His beauty consecrating and sanctifying the wearer of the mentioned vestments mainly for priesthood and ministry worn while entering the tabernacle or while approaching the altar. This garment of this epoch was prepared by cunning embroidery, skilled engravers, and the craftsmanship of jewelers.
Some description of Aaron’s clothing include a woven neckline tunic draped to the floor with golden bells hanging from the edges alternating between the colors of violet pomegranate, purple pomegranate, and scarlet pomegranate would rustle across the land and jingle as the priest walked. The Mitre pronounced Mitznefet in Hebrew was the Gold plate engraved with the words “holy to the lord” tied with a violet fillet. The girdle was a white long sleeve embroidered linen dress similar to those seen worn around the world today. The Ephod was a breastplate made of gold thread, sky blue, dark red and crimson wool with twined linen in a pattern brocade. This Ephod was adorned with jewels and gemstones worn by Aaron during Temple services. Each jewel of different colors and saturation was engraved with the Names of Israels’ sons to wear before God.
The main colors, fabrics, and fibers of the period comprised of purple, scarlet, violet, gold, linen, embroidery, and patterned brocade. Gold earrings and chaplets were a part of women’s accessories and wool was worn for warmth although wool was not worn by the priests. Arbiters from this era include Miriam, Moses, Joshua, King David, Ruth and Esther.
There are no references to make-up beautifying the women among this group. There is an excerpt where painting the face is known to be an extreme. The ladies within the royal courts used creams, cleansers, and oils relying on their inner beauty rather than make-up. Any painting of the eyes was denoted as seduction and prostitution. Facial hair was among features of the man while women kempt unshorn locks.