Beginning in the 17th century, colonisation reshaped South African dress through the imposition of Eurocentric ideals and materials. Western fashion became dominant, with the educated and working class adopting Edwardian coats, hats, Vetus Novae Creating a 17th Century Pair of Stays: The British School, 17th Century Portrait of Lady Harbord, full length, in a black dress with lace collar and cuffs and holding a pocket watch, in an interior MutualArt Dress in 17th Century Portraiture Sophie Ploeg