Monday, April 28, 2008

Spring Fashions Inspired by Art History


This spring's fashions are inspired by the kind of "romantic freshness" that was prominently displayed in last year's period drama, Atonement (starring Keira Knightly and James McAvoy).

The Spring runways almost always display the year's most feminine fashions, but this year they seem to have stepped it up a notch, with designs that borrow heavilly from the heady romanticism of the Pre-Raphaelites. And I'm not the only one who thinks so!

Horacio Silva just wrote a lovely piece for New York Times TMagazine on Jane Morris' contribution to this season's fashions, called The Innocence Project. Be sure and check it out! His discussion of the Pre-Raphaelite's influence on fashion is very interesting, although he does make a factual error (Jane Morris was not a fan of floral prints! Although she enjoyed using them for decorating, she preferred solids, which is amply evident in all of the photographs ever taken of her). The slide show of spring fashions accompanying the article really demonstrates the "turn to the romantic" that designers seem to be taking. Even Roberto Cavalli, who is best known for his plunging necklines and penchant for animal prints has shown a surprising romantic streak this season. This beautiful white lace gown is typical of the soft silhouette and feminine fabrics that Cavalli's utilizing this spring. Note also the Edwardian hairstyles! It looks like this will be a great season to find fearlessly feminine pieces in a variety of fabrics (especially soft floral prints).

6 comments:

Grace said...

What a great article! Thanks for sharing it. Sadly, it seems that the "little people" (aka the stores I can afford) haven't yet heeded the call of this year's theme. I need to replenish my hot-weather wardrobe, and there's nothing but 'pregnancy tops' everywhere! :(

But I do agree with the trend toward romanticism in magazines and fashion designers. I've been especially avidly eyeing the bridal magazines since I have an upcoming wedding, and it seems this trend is definitely exploding in the bridal market too...a recent Brides magazine I perused had countless images of brides with half-up Victorian curls, interspersed with roses tucked throughout the hair (I notice, because I love this style!!) and soft pink makeup.

Since the cheap stores are always a bit behind the times, I look forward to when they catch up! :)

Fete et Fleur said...

OM goodness!! That dress is to to dreamy for words.

xx Nancy

Unknown said...

Hi Margaret,whenever i see models on the runway..all i can think of is, i want that dress and i want that body..have yet to step on my exercise machine (so lazy) and yet to loose those many2 kilos (so pathetic) and eating madly :)

Tracy said...

I love the romantic trend of the moment...I hope it sticks around for a while! But I think romance is always stylish! Happy Day ((HUGS))

K Spoering said...

Wow! I'd love to find some clothes like that and have them for friends to model in for me to paint. They haven't shown up in Colorado yet either, but I'm keeping my eyes open! Have a fantastic time in France. Kate

skatej said...

I just got an email advert from The Gap and they seem to be on board with the soft, romantic view of the season. All I can say is, FINALLY!