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

Functions of Dress

Functions of dress are specific reasons why individuals of society choose to dress the way they do. This blog entry will explore the six main social functions of dress: Ceremonialism, Decoration, Gender Differentiation, Environmental Protection, Sexual Enhancement, and Group Membership.



CEREMONIALISM



American women, and women from around the world, wear beautifully adorned dresses (called wedding dresses) to symbolize their wedding day. After the day has passed, the dresses are cleaned and carefully stored away. The dress is then kept for sentimental value, given away, or sold. This function of dress is called ‘Ceremonialism’. Ceremonialism is a function of dress in which the wearer selects his or her attire for a special occasion or ceremony. After the occasion had ended, the garment is often cleaned and stored away.
This dress is a part of the fall 2009 Vera Wang collection.
This photo can be found at: http://www.bridalguide.com/media/images/wedding-dresses-fall-2009/vera-wang/VeraWang_Fall2009_06_F.jpg



DECORATION



Some individuals wear couture for the look, precise fit, excellent quality, and exclusivity. This function of dress is called ‘Decoration’. When an individual dresses for decoration, the wearer is dressing for looks and adornment. Decoration is considered to be the main function of dress.
This dress was designed by Charles Worth c. 1878.
This photo can be found at: http://blog.fidmmuseum.org/.a/6a01156f47abbe970c0120a593a88f970c-800wi



GENDER DIFFERENTIATION



In most cultures there are certain styles of dressing for men that distinguishes them from women and vice versa. This function of dress is called ‘Gender Differentiation’.
In the photo above (taken in the 1920’s), the women (flappers)are dressed in baggy, boxy attire, and wore short haircuts.
This photo can be found at: http://www.familysecuritymatters.org/imgLib/20081221_flappers.bmp



ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION



Many times, different cultures dress in different ways in order to protect themselves from the environment they live in. This function of dress is called ‘Environmental Protection’. In the photo above, the Eskimos are wearing heavy, warm clothing that is covering them from head to toe. This clothing is made from fur, and is protecting them from the cold environment by keeping them warm.
This photo can be found at: http://majikimaje.com/600/002s.jpg



SEXUAL ENHANCEMENT



Individuals often wear skimpy, revealing clothing in order to enhance their bodies in a sexual manner. This function of dress is called ‘Sexual Enhancement’. In Sexual Enhancement, the wearer wears the garments to feel more sexually desirable. However, each culture has their own definition of sexual desirability.
In the photo above, supermodel Heidi Klum is wearing lingerie made by Victoria’s Secret.
This photo can be found at: http://l.yimg.com/l/tv/us/img/site/34/74/0000053474_20081201110458.jpg



GROUP MEMBERSHIP



There are many people who choose their style of dress based on wanting to belong to a certain group or organization in society. This function of dress is called ‘Group Membership’. In Group Membership, many people wear uniforms, and dress under different apparel classifications such as: preppy, hip hop, punk, etc.
In the photo above, the individuals are dressed in a punk style of clothing to signify their connection to the punk community.
This photo can be found at: http://www.deadthreads.co.uk/images/home_main.jpg