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Stephenson:Neal:Quicksilver:22:Wizard's robes (Alan Sinder)

From the Quicksilver Metaweb.

A page for the garment secondmost associated with wizards - their robes

Stephensonia

Enoch Root's thoughts on dressing up in a wizard's robes seem to focus on the fleecing of gullible sheep. And the rage of mobiles that are bound to follow fund-raising schemes. Daggeru.jpg

A Modern Example Of Wearing Robes

Authored entries

Enhanced Wikipedia: Robe

Robes are dress sometimes taken on by faculty on important academic events like graduation or inauguration. The colour, the length of the hood and the form of the arms give indications of the university of origin and the academic rank. Three stripes on the arm are allowed to wear only by faculty with a Ph.D. (doctor title).Wizardmw.jpg
A Generic Wizard
from a RPG set

Robes are also used in role-playing games by wizards and other magical characters. A wizard's cap seems to be based on the capotain - a tall conical hat, in use throughout the 17th century, usually black. The uninitiated might confuse one with a dunce's cap (ala Duns Scotus). Think Paul Dukas' - L'apprenti sorcier (English title: The Sorcerer's Apprentice, with Disney's Mickey Mouse™ shown in the role of the apprentice) from the film Fantasia.

A modern Dressing Gown is an item of clothing, often made from toweling or another absorbant material. It is often worn over pyjamas. It most commonly occurs in the form of a long open robe with a belt to tie it round the middle and fasten it securely. It might best resemble a wizard's robe as practical lab wear.

The use of clothing can be a powerful social statement. Luxurious, perfectly tailored clothing in expensive fabrics marks the wearer as wealthy and powerful. Royalty has long assumed the exclusive privilege of wearing unique materials, such as purple-dyed cloth, ermine fur, or feathers of rare birds. Garments with a unique or trendy appearance show that the wearer is knowledgeable about fashion and wants to make a favorable impression. Think of the pomp regarding a coronation.