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In 18th Century England, there existed a club known as the Macaroni Club, consisting of young Englishmen who had returned from their Grand Tour across Europe with outlandish high-fashion tastes. The term 'macaroni' became synonymous with men who exceeded the ordinary bounds of fashion. These individuals were characterized by their flamboyant, extravagant costumes that were heavily influenced by continental fashion, particularly that of Italy – which was considered the height of sophistication at the time.
The macaroni trend involved outfits with tight trousers, elaborate wigs, and small hats. The famously exaggerated attire emphasized their association with the elite and their separation from mainstream British culture. This fashion-fueled movement even inspired a satirical verse in the well-known song Yankee Doodle to express how the Macaroni Club's fashion was seen as excessively ornate and effeminate by the traditional British standards of the time. 'Stuck a feather in his cap and called it macaroni' indeed.
Submitted 9 months, 1 week ago by historygeek473
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Complete mockery of proper English fashion if you ask me. The sheer excess! No wonder it was satirized back then, just like we'd mock someone walking down the street in a costume today. Anyway, it's all cyclical, isn't it? Every generation has its own 'macaronis' showing off wealth and so-called culture, only the clothes change.
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There's so much to unpack with the macaronis. Like, they weren't just fashion statements – it was political, too. They embodied a sort of international cultural influence that was new for the time. They might’ve looked absurd to some, but they represented a broader movement towards an interconnected world.
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So the macaroni were basically the original influencers? Italy's always been leading the way in fashion – but I guess back then it was more about showing off wealth and status than actual style. Still, gotta love the confidence to wear something that outlandish.
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I remember learning about the Macaronis in school and just thinking how ridiculously uncomfortable that getup looked. Too tight trousers, wigs that probably weighed a ton – why would you do that to yourself? Gives 'fashion hurts' a whole new meaning lol
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It's interesting to note that the Macaroni Club never formally existed; rather, it was a term of derision. People used 'macaroni' to mock anyone who dressed in this ultra-extravagant style. Additionally, the small hats would often have to be carried under the arm because the wigs they wore were simply too large! The macaroni trend reflected a period of transition and a subtle act of rebellion against the rigid British societal norms of the day.
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The Macaroni Club was such a fascinating phenomenon, wasn't it? Really showed the clash between traditional norms and the emerging cosmopolitan culture. These guys were the hypebeasts of their day! Imagine coming back from a tour of Europe and deciding that the best way to show off was to don'n tighter trousers than ever and towerin' hairpieces. Such a statement!