Rebecca
London
Study Abroad
scroll
Fall 2018
History of Dress II
Introduction
Over the course of my semester abroad in London, I studied and experienced the history of dress in the twentieth century. I had the opportunity to not only learn independently but to see hands-on some of London’s (and other parts of Europe’s) most innovative and influential fashion movements through the exploration of museums.
What This Includes
As part of my final project, I have compiled assignments by chapter in our text, historical influences in London fashion blog posts, and finally my mood boards for fashion forecasting. The chapter assignments cover fashion topics and influences through the twentieth century such as Art Nouveau, World War II, Dior’s New Look, fashion movements of the 1950s through the 1990s, and the new millennium. My weekly blog posts came from London fashion bloggers wearing pieces that are inspired or styled by fashion in the twentieth century. The final part of this project was fashion forecasting. For this, I analyzed influences of the twentieth century on September’s London Fashion Week, covering the Spring & Summer 2919 collections. I also focused on the market of women’s jackets and outerwear for trend forecasts on the upcoming Fall/Winter 19/20 collections.
Studies by Period
Over the course of my semester abroad in London, I studied and experienced the history of dress in the twentieth century. I had the opportunity to not only learn independently but to see hands-on some of London’s (and other parts of Europe’s) most innovative and influential fashion movements through the exploration of museums.
Historical Influences in London Fashion: Blog
London Fashion Forecasting
Part 1: Key Trends with Historical Influences from SS19 London Fashion Week
1920s Silhouette
The iconic silhouette that comes from the iconic era of the 1920s flapper is back on the runway this season. The waistline of this look is notable lower than the natural waistline or even the hips. Flappers were women who broke away from the social restraints of previous generations. With that, they steered away from corsets and floor-length gowns, they cut their hair and would smoke and drink. It’s no surprise that those principles of the flapper are re-emerging in the wake of feminist movements such as MeToo.
Granny Florals
One of the most iconic looks to come out of the hippie movement of the 60s and 70s were peasant dresses, long, floral printed maxi dresses. The print has been coined granny floral ever sense—it’s almost ironic that these were considered controversial for women to wear when they were trending.
Space Age
The space age was defined by technological advancement and accompanying space exploration. In fashion, this was classified by geometric shapes and lines with modern materials, often synthetic and metallic that reflected space uniforms and futuristic style ideas. Metallic materials have been trending lately, and the styles and lines remind us of this retro trend.
Part 2: Trend Forecasting:
Color and Print Board for Women's Jackets & Outerwear
A muted color palette will design outerwear for this fall. Largely inspired by urban architecture and shadows, a classic beige layer will complete any winter outfit. Drawing on comfort and warm tones, textiles from suede and corduroy and tweed to vinyl will be on trend.
Part 3: Trend Forecasting
London Pop Culture Influences: Meghan Markle
The Royal family and their fashion choices are very important to the Brits, and with a new princess comes a new style icon. Meghan Markle has captured the hearts of many, and she is already being looked up to, especially in anticipation of a new baby. In London, we learned the extensive history of the Royal Family as well as the people’s continued loyalty to them through the years.
The most adored part of London winters is the fashion and trench coats that come with the (mildly) cold weather. Kate Middleton has been looked to for classy street style for years, but Meghan has now joined the pack. I has been both controversial and refreshing to see some looks that push the boundaries of Royal fashion rules.