In the Art of Dragon Age Inquisition Tevene fashion and style is described as “dire opulence”
It’s style at a knife’s edge, with a hint of violence and power behind it. It’s not just dire opulence, but decaying opulence. The Alti clinging onto the corpse of and empire and keeping power through blood and magic.
In Tevinter power is worn like a second skin, statue, wealth and magical abilities are reflected in the clothing of the wearer.
In Orlais the clothing is style over substance, but in Tevinter it is all substance. Each item of clothing is chosen with calculation among the Alti. In Tevinter the clothing speaks.
Tevene fashion is high necklines and sharp lines, it’s heavy material which richness speaks to the wealth of the wearer, it’s intricate designs.
In Tevinter fashion is not just clothing, it’s a language unto itself.