Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Street Trends and High Fashion

Many trends seen on the high fashion runways today started off as street trends. Street trends are fashion trends worn by particular groups in society, but are not yet necessarily seen on the fashion runway. Most street trends started out as a means of expression, by a particular group, against mainstream fashion. This blog entry will explore different street trends and their connection to the fashion trends that are seen on the runway today.





ZOOT (ZUIT) SUIT




This image can be found at:
http://images.absoluteastronomy.com/images/encyclopediaimages/z/zo/zootsuit2.jpg




The zoot suit street trend was present in Chicago and Los Angeles in the 1920’s and 1930’s. This trend was worn by young African American and Latino youths. This suit has wide legs, a high waist, and the trousers are pegged. The coat is long with padded shoulders, and wide lapels.





This suit was inspired by the zoot suit, and was designed by John Galiano. This suit, like the zoot suit, has wide legs, a high waist and pegged trousers. This image can be found at: http://www.style.com/style/view/08/36/100053608.jpg





These garments were inspired by the zoot suit, and were designed by Dior Homme. Like the zoot suit the trousers have wide legs and are pegged. This image can be found at: http://www.mensflair.com/ns/media/fw2008-diot-zoot-pants.jpg





TEDDY BOYS




This image can be found at:
http://www.sixtiescity.com/Culture/Images/teds1962.jpg (teds 1962)




The teddy boys street trend was first seen in England in the 1950’s, and then made it’s way to the U.S. This trend was worn by young low and middle class youth. This look is very Edwardian, and is seen as a rejection of ultra-functionality. This look includes long jackets with flap pockets and velvet trimmed collars, worn with high waist trousers and loose collar white shirts.





This jacket was inspired by the teddy boys trend, and was designed by Jens Laugesen. This jacket, like the trend, is long with flap pockets and a trimmed collar. This image can be found at: www.style.com






This jacket was also inspired by the teddy boys trend, and was designed by Jens Laugesen. This jacket is long with a trimmed collar, and has flap pockets. This image can be found at: www.style.com






BEATNIKS





This image can be found at:
http://www.queensofvintage.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/lead9-300x297.jpg




The beatniks trend was started in the 1940’s in San Francisco, Ca. This trend represented anti-materialism, and was worn by artists and existentialist intellectuals. It also served as inspiration for the hippies movement. The beatnik look encompasses berets, tight jeans, ankle boots, long hair, ballet flats, black stockings, black and white stripes, and oversized sweaters.






This garment was inspired by the beatnik trend, and was designed by Marc Jacobs. Like the trend, the look includes a beret, black tights, and ankle boots. This image can be found at: http://www.grooveeffect.com/images/marc-jacobs-fw-08.jpg






These garments were also inspired by the beatnik trend, and were designed by Mark Jacobs. Like the trend, these garments include a beret, black tights, ankle boots. This image can be found at:
http://nymag.com/images/2/daily/fashion/08/02/05_fivethings_lg.jpg






MODS




This image can be found at:
http://blog.lib.umn.edu/raim0007/gwss3307_fall2007/twiggy_2.jpg




The mod trend was started in England in the 1960’s among the youth, and was centered around rock-n-roll. These youth wanted to set themselves apart from the conservative adults. The look included colorful vintage clothing, long hair, mini skirts, mens shirts, flat shoes, little makeup, and expensive clothing.





This look was inspired by the mod trend, and was designed by Eley Kishimoto. Like the mod look, this garment is colorful and has a vintage look. This image can be found at: http://images.nymag.com/fashion/fashionshows/2009/fall/main/europe/womenrunway/eleykishimoto/images/4.jpg






This look was also inspired by the mod trend, and was designed by Phillip Lim. Like the mod trend this look includes a mini skirt, and minimal makeup. This image can be found at: http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/390/21/sequins.0.0.0x0.301x452.jpeg






HIPPIES




This image can be found at:
http://flavorwire.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/hippies-2.jpg





The hippies trend was started in the 1960’s in the U.S. This trend acted as an anti-war movement. The hippies trend includes jeans, long hair, flowing silhouettes, and ethnic attire.






These looks were inspired by the hippies trend, and were designed by Matthew Williamson (far left), Diane von Furstenberg (center), Anna Sui (right). Like the hippies trend, these looks include flowing silhouettes, and ethnic attire. This image can be found at:
http://img2.timeinc.net/instyle/images/2008/fashionweek/091508_hippie_400x400.jpg







This look was also inspired by the hippies trend, and was designed by Diane Von Furstenberg. Like the trend, this look includes a flowing silhouette, and ethnic attire. This image can be found at: http://s3.amazonaws.com/stylehive/blog/uploads/09DVF01.jpg





DISCO




This image can be found at:
http://photos1.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/6/b/c/7/highres_6567591.jpeg





The disco trend emerged in the 1970’s in the U.S. This trend was soon after linked to disco dancing. The disco look includes colorful garments that are synthetic and futuristic. This includes mini dresses, hot pants, and platform shoes.






This look was inspired by the disco trend and was designed by Versace. Like the disco trend this look includes platform shoes, and futuristic material. This image can be found at: http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/37261_8_468.jpeg






These looks were also inspired by the disco trend, and were designed by Naeem Khan. These looks include futuristic materials, platform shoes, and colorful garments. This image can be found at: http://www.lasplash.com/uploads/3/Naeem_Khan_Spring_2009_15_1.jpg






PUNK




This image can be found at:
http://travelblog.viator.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/02/berlin-punk-things-to-do.jpg





The punk trend was started in the late 1970’s in the U.S. and Europe. This trend is about alienation. The punk trend includes combat boots worn with tight jeans, studs, crazy hairstyles, black and bright colors, and huge t-shirts.






This look was inspired by the punk trend, and was designed by Anna Sui. Like the punk trend, this look includes a crazy hairstyle and a really bright color (pink). This image can be found at: http://z.about.com/d/teenfashion/1/0/C/0/-/-/Annasui.jpg







These looks were also inspired by the punk trend, and were designed by Blumarine (far left), Dsquared (middle left), Balmain (middle right), and JeanPaulGaultier (right). Like the punk trend these looks include tight pants with boots, studs, and lots of black. This image can be found at: http://www.stylebakery.com/style-recipes/images/punk_fall09.jpg






HIP HOP





This image can be found at:
http://www.sojones.com/celebrity-steals/2007/images/2007-051007_phat-farm_baby-phat_store_opened_in_madrid_event-models.jpg




The hip hop trend was created in the 1980’s in urban low income areas, and expresses distrust of the status quo and disfranchisement. The trend includes matching of different military, sports, and formal garments by both color and theme including: track suits, bomber jackets, sneakers, baggy jeans, and bright colors.






This look is inspired by the hip hop trend, and was designed by Baby Phat. Like the hip hop trend, the look includes jeans, and a bright colored top. This image can be found at: http://farm1.static.flickr.com/97/238491098_701412c5f8.jpg






These looks were also inspired by the hip hop trend, and were designed by Baby Phat. Like the hip hop trend these looks include bright colors, jeans, and are reminiscent of sports garments. This image can be found at: http://www.grooveeffect.com/images/babyphat-fshwkspr08_01.jpg







LOLITA





This image can be found at:
http://home.teleport.com/~monica/livejournal/Gothic_and_lolita_bible1.jpg





The lolita trend was started in late 1970’s in Japan. This trend is a mix of victorian, rococo, and gothic. This trend includes headdresses, petticoats, blouses, knee length dresses and skirts, knee high stockings and socks, and platform shoes.






This look was inspired by the lolita trend and was designed by Giles. Like the lolita trend, this look includes a petticoat and knee length dress. This image can be found at: http://blog.pricegrabber.com/chicshopper/files/2007/09/logiles.jpg






This look was also inspired by the lolita trend, and was designed by Louis Vuitton. Like the trend the look includes knee length platform boots, and a fluffy knee length skirt. This image can be found at: http://www.trendhunter.com/images/phpthumbnails/47171_2_468.jpeg






GRUNGE





This image can be found at:
http://img.timeinc.net/people/i/2006/stylechannel/blog/061106/mary_kate_olsen3_300x400.jpg




The grunge trend was started in the 1990’s. It is a very un-kept look that includes brown, indigo, white, black, forest green, and red. The grunge trend consists of flannel shirts, garments that resemble thrift store items, outdoor clothing, and lots of plaid.





This look was inspired by the grunge trend, and was designed by Marc Jacobs. Like the trend this look includes a very un-kept thrift store look. This image can be found at: www.style.com






This look is also inspired by the grunge trend, and was designed by Alexander Wang. Like the trend this look includes a black shirt and an un-kept thrift store look. This image can be found at: www.style.com

Monday, November 23, 2009

Major Historical Periods in Fashion and Art

Fashion designers and artists have been paralleling each other for centuries. Though the main difference in their work is the purpose of their creations, the finished products are a direct reflection on what is going on in society at the current time. In this blog entry we will explore the fashion and art of six major historical periods: Neoclassical, Egyptian, Romantic, Baroque, Gothic, and Rococo.





Neoclassical



The neoclassical period was in the 1700’s. The art of this time showcased the republican style government with Greek-Roman influences. The artists painted balanced compositions and emphasized heroics. The fashion designers created garments with layered sheer fabrics, high empire waistlines, with beautiful drape.





This photo is a classical inspired piece made by Alana Zimmer for the fall 2009 season. It is a draped skirt with jacket and top. This image can be found at stlye.com.






The painting is called: The Intervention of the Sabine women by Jacques-Louis David, and was painted in 1799. This image can be found at: http://www.artinthepicture.com/artists/Jacques-Louis_David/sabine.jpeg





Egyptian


Egyptian art uses a lot of symbolism. The Gods were always painted the largest. In fashion, the higher social status the more layers the garment is made with, and had more pleating and draping.





This photo is an Egyptian inspired piece made by Oscar De La Renta for the spring 2008 season. It is a long elegant gold sequined gown with jewels around the neck. This image can be found at style.com.





This painting is a depiction of the Egyptian Queen Nefertari. This image can be found at:
http://imagecache5.art.com/p/LRG/20/2033/DME4D00Z/egyptian-art-nefertari.jpg






Romantic



The romantic period was in the 1800’s. The art of this time depicted images that spoke against the balanced compositions of the neoclassical time. This art expresses moods and feelings, often through nature. The fashions included leg o mutton sleeves and unnatural waistlines.





This photo is a romantic inspired piece by Carlos Miele for the spring 2008 season. It is a long gold draped dress with lots of rouching, and a sweetheart neckline with a asymmetrical strap around the neck, and a train. This image can be found at www.style.com.






This painting is from the romantic era, and was painted by Francisco Goya y Lucientes in the 1700’s. This photo can be found at:
http://wwwdelivery.superstock.com/WI/223/475/PreviewComp/SuperStock_475-1327.jpg





Baroque


The baroque period was during the 1600’s. The art of this time represented political and religious struggles and depicted theatrical and exaggerated images with dramatic light and shadows. The fashions included contrasting colors and patterns, large accessories, and extravagant silhouettes.




This photo is a baroque inspired piece by Louis Vuitton for the fall 2009 season. The garment is a blue and orange print jumpsuit with large puff sleeves, a black belt, and a low cut v-neck. This image can be found at style.com.






This painting is of Queen Constance of Austria from 1620. This image can be found at:
http://www.decembermoonlight.com/images/konstancja_austriaczka.jpg






Gothic



The gothic period was during the 12th century middle ages. Architecture was the focus of art. Artists painted many stain glass windows which were used to allow in more light (symbolized God’s devine presence). The fashions depicted dark colors, velvet, draping, tight fitting garments, and tall hats.





This photo is a gothic inspired piece by Betsy Johnson for the fall 2007 season. The garment is a black draped dress that goes below the knee with sheer long sleeves. This image can be found at style.com.






This picture is of the Cologne Cathedral in Germany. This image can be found at:
https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMZldlYBECVxS8Gbm8fv6Nh8wrDBN1r1CfDMGRhGOfVkQ4-65GMh4zUtq_PJN3siyZGCHe-EJrdjOWdi3jJOhvpixyf7xVQZvTWnTxuKfT2gsFNIHBA3D1qBKso-AoBIvmZWaq7bwDCtts/s400/cologne_cathedral_2.jpg





Rococo


The rococo period was during the 1700’s. The art of this time represented the morally corrupt ways of the aristocrats and depicted luxurious images of fashions, interior design, and gardening. The fashions included high end embellishments and fabrics, crazy hairstyles, low necklines, and strong makeup.





This photo is a rococo inspired piece by Christian Dior for the fall 2007 season. It is a luxurious blue dress with a long sleeve jacket, and a very large draped skirt with an abundance of fabric. The dress and jacket have very elaborate embellishments. This image can be found at style.com.






This rococo painting was done by Gerard Hoet in 1700. This image can be found at:
http://www.bayreuth-wilhelmine.de/bilder/neues_schloss/hoet_odysseus2.jpg

Sunday, November 8, 2009

The Evolution of the Necktie

Neckties have been around since the 17th Century. They have been traced all the way back to the thirty years war, and are worn by both men and women. In this blog entry we will trace the evolution of the necktie, and examine the changes it has undergone over the years.







Steinkirk 1650-1720


The princes wore these ties around their neck during the Battle of Steenkerque in 1692. They twisted the ends of the fabric together and took it through the buttonhole on their jackets.
This image can be found at: http://www.bindslips.dk/wp-content/louis1667.jpg








Stock Tie 1720-1800


The stock tie is a small piece of fabric, folded, and wound a few times around the shirt collar. This stock tie is designed by ShoClothes.
This image can be found at: http://www.shoclothes.com/images/stock_tie_satin_lg.jpg








Cravat 1800-1850


The cravat is a small handkerchief, knotted, and tied around the neck. This cravat is designed by Robert Charles.
This image can be found at: http://www.robertcharles.co.nz/dms/images/ecommerce/collections_cravats.jpg








Bowtie 1860-1920


The bowtie is basically a smaller cravat., and can be worn for formal gatherings, or dinner parties. This bowtie was designed by J.Crew.
This image can be found at: http://gearpatrol.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/jcrew-bow-tie1.jpg








Traditional Necktie 1920’s – present day


Modern day traditional neckties can range up to 4” wide with a standard length of 57”. They come in a variety of different colors and patterns, and are acceptable at a variety of different social occasions. This necktie was designed by Dolce & Gabanna.
This image can be found at: http://nymag.com/images/fashion/fashionshows/05/fall/milan/runway/dolceandgabbana/10.jpg

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Historically Draped and Tailored Garments

Historical styles in fashion are styles that are constantly repeated or reinterpreted. These styles re-appear when the economic and social conditions mimic those of the era that the style originated in. Historical styles are broken down into two categories: Major (styles that recur more often in regular cycles), and Minor (styles that recur less often). This blog will discuss two of the major historical styles: Classical and Medieval.


Classical
Classical style originates from the Ancient Greeks and Romans. This style consists of the draped look, and is simple and elegant with folds, pleats, creases, and loose and flowing silhouettes.




This high waist, draped dress is reminiscent of a 17th century classical style.
This image can be found at: http://www.pemberley.com/janeinfo/reddress.jpg






This wedding dress is reminiscent of a 17th century classical style high waist gown and was designed in 2009.
This image can be found at: http://www.utahbrideandgroom.com/Utah-Bride-and-Groom-Magazine/Winter-2009/Fashion-Insiders/regaliz.jpg






This is a neoclassical silk evening gown from 1805.
This image can be found at: https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDQYZUqjNFrqKDPV-lWHjxAlAYMWShcNp49fxiK9Z_NywXCX5pAwWESSvj1ceXtLuG728WYQzszTAJXoeI9ocCeZfLmxr1WTcpdQCN5Ofxs3J9Hz1eq70bufRB6ky7eF5E_sFc5B2QkHnB/s400/neoclassical+silk+evening+gown+with+metallic+trim+1805.jpg






Medieval
Medieval style originates from N. Europe in the Middle Ages (3-13th centuries). This style consists of stiff tailored look that covers the body, and includes sober colors, high necklines, and long fitted sleeves.






This ball gown is reminiscent of the medieval renaissance style.
This image can be found at: http://www.pearsonsrenaissanceshoppe.com/images/Dress_1001_Blue_Baroque_2.jpg







This suit is reminiscent of the medieval style, and was designed in the 1950’s .
This image can be found at: http://www.fashion-era.com/images/1955/1955sogcharcoalsuit.jpg







This jacked is reminiscent of the medieval style, and was designed in fall of 2003 by Karl Lagerfeld for Fendi.
This image can be found at: http://www.style.com/slideshows/fashionshows/F2007RTW/BURBERRY/RUNWAY/00010f.jpg