FASHION
As a metropolitan empire covering multiple planets and cultures, fashion in the Jade Empire is varied and displays multiple regional and cultural influences. Different regional cultures and racial groups display different influences, however, and some of these schools are covered below.
Although the Ingenious fashion is most common, especially as formal wear amongst government officials and the samurai landowning caste, a less ornate, more practical style has begun to evolve as a result of the 'melting pot' culture of the Imperial Jade Military.
Although the Ingenious fashion is most common, especially as formal wear amongst government officials and the samurai landowning caste, a less ornate, more practical style has begun to evolve as a result of the 'melting pot' culture of the Imperial Jade Military.
INGENIOUS AND DONG WUSIAN
Ingenious and Dong Wusian clothing traditionally consists of broad silk, hemp and cotton garments which are wrapped in layers. Dresses, overcoats, tunics, shirts and skirts were all designed to be worn in layers as needed for comfort in high humidity and cold winters alike. Historically, expensive clothing was often decorated with embroidery, brocade and rare dyes to create colourful patterns. In modern times, tastes have shifted to more spartan styles with simple contrasting colours and clear lines to create a visually arresting pattern.
In southern Wu, thick cottons and furs are more common thanks to the much colder, snowy winters and the windy conditions on the wide grassy steppes of the region. |
MILITARY
The Imperial Jade Navy encourages its own distinct culture and atmosphere as part of the process of taking citizens from disparate backgrounds and turning them into a cohesive fighting force. Veterans and serving personnel typically wear more practical clothing with neutral, less openly Ingenious tones. These styles have picked up popularity among the civilian sector due to their association with action, adventure and the armed forces in general.
Bomber and leather jackets are popular, especially fur-lined ones to deal with the cold of space. Jeans and cargo pants are also common, as well as single-breasted military-cut jackets with wide collars and shoulder lapels. |
YOKENEKO
Yokeneko were originally a species known as the felidaens, who migrated from the Katasian Ryk over the course of centuries. Their traditional clothing is suited to hot weather, humid or dusty. It is typically light and airy, either loose cottons and linens or ponchos made of wool. They typically do not wear boots, having digitigrade legs suitable for outdoor travel, and have flaps to allow egress for their tails.
Their clothing also often bears bright colours and geometric patterns, making it easily distinguishable. Different regions have unique patterns and colour schemes which can help to tell the story of the wearer. |
THE SATTRANS
Sattran clothing is suited to the temperamental, rainy summers and harsh winters of North and West Sattar Districts. They often wear tunics over thick woolen britches, often with leather surcoats or thick fur and hide cloaks to protect against the wind and the rain. A holdover from the pre-industrial era prior to the annexation of Neusattar, their tunics are designed to be worn as underlay for chainmail shirts and hauberks.
More expensive articles of Sattran clothing will have embroidered hems and cuffs with intricate, flowing patterns, and almost all are designed to be worn with belts on which tools, weapons and other personal goods can be carried. |
THE SUEDIANS
Suedian clothing shares a similar origin to Sattran styles, and was originally worn as padding beneath military equipment such as breastplates and chainmail. Having to deal with rainy, chill winters and mild summers, the Suedians wear tunics, often layered with shirts for flexibility. Tunics have also evolved into long dresses with layered skirts. They often feature baggy sleeves which are easy to roll up for work or extend over the hands to keep warm.
Laces are a common element of Suedian clothing, which is famously complicated and difficult to don and remove. More expensive clothing will boast slashes to reveal expensive inner linings, as well as elaborate embroidery in cloth-of-gold and other rare and expensive materials. |
THE CALCARIANS AND ATHOINE
Inhabitants of the sunny coastal climates of Calcaria and Athoi in southern Neusattar wear light, linen clothing that reflects as much light as possible and allows the coastal breezes to keep them cool. Men and women both wear togas and robes, often in white and typically belted with cords or light belts. In more inclement weather or formal occasions, heavier togas which are worn over the shoulder or with capes and cloaks are common, with red and purple being colours indicative of the aristocratic classes.
Sattran and Suedian-style tunics are also sometimes seen in the southern climates, especially among the labouring classes. They are combined with heavy belts and jewellery in the northern styles. |
All pictures sourced from Google Images