The Starz "Spartacus" series offers a realistic glimpse into the Roman past. Among the striking similarities between Rome and America is the constant attention to status. The characters of Lucretia (Lucy Lawless) and Batiatus (John Hannah) in "Spartacus" reflect their achievements and ambitions in society by obtaining wealthy, noble friends--and by donning fashions that adequately reflect their stations.
Female Dress
Women in Rome wore various types of dresses including the stola, a garment reserved for married women. As some female garments were belted and tailored, the moneyed women of "Spartacus" appear in fitted, stylized pieces.
As House Batiatus increases in fame and success, Lucretia and Batiatus both wear more varied styles, sometimes more exotic in nature. Lucretia's wardrobe changes significantly depending on her company. At times she is conservative and occasionally reserved; other times she appears outwardly extravagant, bold and even seductive.
The Gift of Jewelry
In "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," Lucretia receives an expensive gift of jewelry from her friend Gaia (Jaime Murray). This is a token of friendship and affection (as the two are also sexually involved), but also represents a vote of confidence from Gaia.
By giving Lucretia the jewelry, Gaia conveys that she believes Lucretia and her husband can socially advance. She also expresses this by staying with the couple as a means of security while she seeks a new husband.
Hair Color and Wigs
Wigs hold significance for the female characters in "Spartacus." Historically, Romans used henna to dye wigs in red, copper and brown colors. With a natural hair color of brown, Lucretia dons wigs of red and blond in "Spartacus."
The red wig color, worn initially by Gaia, represents a bold, slightly deviant nature. The senior Batiatus disapproves of such traits, and over time Lucretia's hair color changes with preference and meaning.
When she reconnects with Ilithya (Viva Bianca) in "Spartacus: Gods of the Arena," Lucretia wears a blond wig.
Lucretia actively emulates the behaviors and preferences of both women when each is present in her life. The blond wig is seen as young and fashionable, but when Ilythia dies, Lucretia stops wearing it. This is perhaps because she felt superior to the woman or because Lucretia no longer felt the need to emulate Ilythia's foolish and playful ideals.
Body Slaves
Also important to female noble fashion in Rome were the slaves. To keep elaborate hairstyles and clothing, the noble women required the time and effort of body slaves, which were costly to purchase and support. In "Spartacus," Lucretia often calls Naevia (Lesley-Ann Brandt) to assist her with such tasks.
As in real life fashion of the past and present, each person has his or own preferences when it comes to clothing or color. "Spartacus" reflects this effectively, some ladies choosing lighter, cleaner colors while others selecting heavily-dyed fabric.
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