Of all the matriarchs, prophetesses and otherwise important women in the Torah, I think Queen Esther was likely the most stylish. (Sorry, Eve, you outfit-repeated a fig leaf one too many times.)
Though there’s no way of knowing what the biblical heroine of the Purim story wore or what her personal sense of style was, Queen Esther has been portrayed time and again in European art history, giving us numerous interpretations of her appearance. Each time, Queen Esther is depicted as being, frankly, gorgeous. She’s lavishly dressed with crowns of a head wrap, layered gold necklaces or strings of pearls, bejeweled arm cuffs and heavy, rich-colored garments.
It’s from these works of art that I’ve curated a look book of clothes, accessories and products which evoke Queen Esther — because why not shop her closet? She didn’t save the Jewish people and look good while doing it for us to not follow in her footsteps!
I’m not suggesting that the items below are traditional Persian Jewish garb, nor are they period accurate to when Queen Esther would’ve been alive. I am also not suggesting that it is appropriate for Ashkenazi Jews, particularly white Ashkenazi Jews, to wear Sephardi and Mizrahi Jewish cultural dress as their own. Sephardi and Mizrahi Jewish culture is not your costume!
Rather, the shopping list below leans into the decadent jewelry, sumptuously draped silhouettes and rich colors of the artworks I mentioned. Many of the items on the list reference evil eye, hamsa and pomegranate imagery which is heavily associated with Middle Eastern culture, both generally and Jewishly. And I’ve included some more contemporary options which fit in with Queen Esther’s “I survived a massive trauma and still somehow gathered the courage to save my entire community” cool girl vibe.
I also tried to prioritize Persian Jewish-owned brands, but struck out for the most part. (Excluding a piece from Elie Tahari!) In lieu of that, I’d like to highlight the following brands that are owned by Persian Jews: bridal and evening gown atelier Simin Haute Couture from Simin Rouhani Taghdiri and menswear label Civil Society from Bob Roofian. You can also find inspiration from Persian Jewish fashion blogger Rachelle Bracha Zarabian.
Shop, enjoy and happy Purim!
Queen Esther just seems like the type of person who wouldn't leave the house without bangles.
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The deep red color paired with tile-like design and puffy sleeves just feels royal.
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The botanical patterns on this scarf evoke a Middle Eastern influence, though they're based on a Victorian British wallpaper. Plus, it would look fab as a hair wrap.
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Whether or not you're staring down the hot Persian sun, protect your eyes with these adorable sunnies!
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In lieu of an actual crown, this headband should work nicely.
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Every depiction of Queen Esther shows her with thick, shiny voluminous hair. If you need a little something to give your tresses an extra oomph, give yourself a blowout and use this product.
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Rehydrate your lips and while you're at it, give them the "I just ate a pomegranate" look.
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No one has ever looked more elegant than when they're wearing a shawl.
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Did Queen Esther have access to K-Beauty products? Probably not. But you do! Hydrate your skin and protect against the sun with this lightweight daily moisturizer from Beauty of Joseon.
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In this flowy silk skirt you'll look as delicious as a ripe olive.
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This top pairs well with the skirt above and would be as light as air in the Shushan heat.
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A pair of statement earrings for a queen who made a statement (and saved her people).
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Once your hair is perfectly voluminous, you might need to get it out of your face.
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Not only are these earrings eye-catching, they'd also pair beautifully with the silver bangles above.
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For even more protection against capricious kings and Haman.
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A handbag to hold lots or dice — in Persian blue, of course.
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