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