King Francis I, ruler of France from 1515 to 1547, had 13,600 gold buttons on a single coat. At some point in history, which no one can be sure of, someone realized that slipping a fabric cord around a button, or into a slit cut into the fabric that the button was attached too, made what was just a decorative item, into a useful item. Clothing could be snugged up, making a loose fitting blouse or robe, into a form fitting design. This led to advancements in clothing styles that is still being achieved through modern day. It is no surprise then, that buttons are collected today.
People search out different designs, materials, or buttons from specific time-periods.
I have even heard buttons described as miniature examples of art documenting every period of history throughout our past. Even as buttons evolved from being strictly decorations, to practical items, they continued to be decorative as well. Because much work and material went into the making of buttons, they were often saved from worn out clothing to be used and reused. This practice has thankfully salvaged many of these throughout the years. Lets look at some different forms buttons have taken through the years.