Mankind seems to be born into a state of savagery; onto this we cast the veneer of civilization (however primitive), and then impress the palimsest of control. Dress does not derive from savagery; does it derive from civilization, or from control? A fair question, I think, to discuss.
I would argue that civilization and control are inseparable, so I would say that clothing is about both.
I am not sure that a minimalist approach to clothing is necessarily a hallmark of primitivism. Consider the barbaric splendor of the Plains Indian.
One must not underestimate the amount of control a savage needs, indeed, without any control, the savage might soon be conquered by vicious beast or natural force.
Likewise, the debased noble who has lost control and lacks refinement of dress may meet a rather ignoble fate.
Good dress needs refinement, and while refinement means exerting a certain amount of control over the physical world, not all control leads to refinement. Judiciously applied, however, it may produce a certain desirable flourish and general calmness of being.
Last edited by Noble Savage (2011-05-21 00:53:57)
This, I fancy, has a place here:
http://elizabethan.org/sumptuary/index.html
Mayhap?