#tutmania

[peabodyandemerson]

The Kiss of Pharaoh by Richard Goyne, Published in 1923

[phrynefishersfrocks]

The fifth and final outfit of “Murder in the Dark” (Season 1, Episode 12) is Miss Fisher’s Cleopatra costume, worn for Guy’s engagement party.

Her bra and full-length skirt look to be a pleated silk crepe, with a nude chiffon connecting the top to the skirt so that it’s all one piece. Small hidden buttons fasten the costume in the back, and gold edging accents the top of the skirt. She accents the outfit with a decorative gold buckle with amber gems around her waist, and a large sequined collar.

Phryne’s choice of Cleopatra is very reflective of the ‘Tut’mania that shaped much of the culture and fashion of the 1920′s after Tutankhamen’s tomb was discovered in Egypt. Egyptian motifs began to appear everywhere, from Hollywood films to make-up styles to jewelry to songs and dances to brightly colored cocktails.

On November 4, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the first of sixteen stone steps that led down into the tomb of Tutankhamen, a minor pharaoh of ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty. Tutankhamen, only nine when he came to the throne, died in his late teens or early twenties, and left little mark on Egyptian history. His tomb, however, left a very big mark in the history of popular culture in the 1920s... The most dramatic discovery occurred in October 1925 when Carter opened Tutankhamen’s mummy case, exposing the solid gold death mask, one of the most priceless treasures ever found in the history of archeology. - From “When Egypt was cool: the ‘Tutmania’ craze of the 1920s”

She accessorizes her costume with a series of gold bangles on each wrist, a ring with a gold flower and a jade center on her middle finger, and golden t-strap heels.

Season 1, Episode 12 - “Murder in the Dark”

Screencaps from here, promotional photos from the official Facebook (x, x, x) and various sources (x, x), research and photos from the BBC and here.

[peabodyandemerson]

Old King Tut (1923)