Historical & Artistic Styles

Artwork and fashion coexist in the social context in which they were created. Following are some examples of historical periods of art and the fashion of the times that is still being interpreted today.

Egyptian

Ancient Egyptian art is characterized by its complex symbolism and conventional character. Egyptian fashion was used to display social status and position. All Ancient Egyptian garments were white, and the higher the social status, the more pleating, drapery and accessorization with jewelry. The following garment reflects those same complexities with pleating, draping and jewelry.

Allessandro Dell’Acqua
Spring 2009 RTW

Greek/Roman

Classical art came from ancient Greek and Roman civilizations whose artists used mathematical laws to organize their masterpieces, reflecting the rational organization of their societies. This same order and balance was used in the fashion of the time. Garments for both cultures consisted of layers of fabrics fastened by pins or minimal sewing. The silhouette was intentionally simple. This modern day garment reflects that same simplicity.

Bottega Veneta
Spring 2010 RTW

Gothic

The Gothic era occurred during the Middle Ages spanning the 12th century to the beginning of the Renaissance. Like the rest of the Middle Ages, architecture was the most important art form. Churches with huge stained glass windows and pointed arches were built to symbolize the divine presence of God. Fashion styles were a combination of tight fitting and draped representing the contrast between hard stone and fragile glass. Velvety fabrics in dark tones were used to represent the tinted glass. The spirit of that style was used in this modern day garment.

Dolce & Gabbana
Fall 2006 RTW

Baroque

Seventeenth century art represented the religious and political struggles of the era through dramatic effects of light and shadow, exaggerated poses, and theatrical backgrounds. The fashion of the Baroque period used extravagant silhouettes, contrasting colors and patterns, and large accessories. At least one exaggerated element was used to emphasize one area of a woman’s body: high waistlines, huge falling collars, or wide skirts. Viktor & Rolf used many of these elements in their most recent collection.

Viktor & Rolf
Spring 2010 RTW

Rococo

In the 1700s, decadence reigned. Artists worked for the aristocracy and created visually pleasing imagery to go with the morally corrupt style of life of the aristocracy. In fashion, styles followed this decadence with revealing necklines, towering and elaborate hairstyles, expensive fabrics and embellishments, as well as the use of obvious makeup. This design by John Galliano seems to have been inspired by this era.

John Galliano
Spring 2010 RTW

Neoclassical

With the French Revolution in 1789, Western history took a new turn that affected all aspects of life, including art. Republic-style government became the modern embodiment of society, and once more, Greek-Roman influences appeared in art. These same classical Greek-Roman inspirations were also seen in fashion with empire waistlines and layers of draped sheer fabrics. Designers returned to sheer fabrics for Spring 2010 as seen in the following image.

Carlos Miele
Spring 2010 RTW