History, It’s Always With US..
History is never truly “history.” It’s always coming back and inspiring artists, designers, and innovators. We’re always seeing ideas and concepts from the past popping up and reappearing in modern, creative ways. Just off the top of my head, one popular trend seen today is neons. But when did the neon trend start? We start seeing this combining of multiple neons back in the 80′s. Let’s face it, the 80′s was the epitome of bright colors: Hot pinks, neon greens, bright blues, etc. Today, we see these colors spring up again in bold neon statement jewelry, belts, pants, purses, and more. The concept from the past is the same, however the designs are different.
1987 Harpars Bazaar to todays fashions
Another influencial style icon was Jackie Kennedy. Her original Oleg Casini designs helped her create a style all her own, one that would show through in the influence of other designers to come. Take a look at Calvin Klein’s Fall 2012 collection. From the dresses to the jackets, they all have that modernized ”Jackie O” look.
Fine arts and fashion design depend on one another like a pair of Christian Louboutin’s depend on that red sole. Without one to influence the other, the arts might not have taken the paths that lead us to the present. Fashion is wearable art to coincide with popular art movements at the time, but who’s to say fashion can’t pull up a thing of the past and redirect the art playing field? Because that’s exactly what Gucci did in Spring 2012, and what Alexander McQueen did the following year with his Spring 2013 resort wear collection. Reinterpreting the Art Deco movement, started in Paris back in he 20′s, both Gucci and McQueen’s designs resemble and glorify the bold and electrifying art and design work of the time in a fashion forward collection today.
Gucci Spring 2012
Alexander McQueen Resort 2013
A classic design, the peplum dress/top, is another mid 20th century coming back in full swing, seen all over runways today. This, being one of my favorite styles, is a classic, timeless look. Throw this top over a pencil skirt and you’re ready to go!
One of my favorite designers sporting this looking is Dior, who’s peplum dress/tops ruled fashion back in the mid 20th century.
The same look was also seen at the time with designers such as Lachasse
Today we see the same effortless cut with Giambattista Valli and Elie Saab
