Historically, Egyptian dress for women, especially elite women, had slender contour to the body and were embellished around the neck and chest, as well as adorned headdress. It is amazing how this part of history and geography play a part in contemporary designs. Below are images from a Fashion Show in Beirut, 2003. Each of these designers were from areas in the Middle East, and their pieces seem to exhibit the Egyptian influences in terms of the slender figures and the jewels and embellishments around the face, neck, and chest. Very thin and light fabrics flow below the waist and go all the way down to the ankle, which is very similar to how the elite women of Egypt chose to dress thousands of years ago.
A fashion model displays outfit by Egyptian designer Hani el-Bihery….
A model displays an oufit by Lebanese designer Dany Atrash….
Byzantine:
The Pre-fall 2009 series of designs by Chanel and Karl Lagerfeld grasp the Byzantine era with both hands. The Byzantine era boasted ornamentation with mosaic and pixilated looks as well as fringes, jewels, and accessories. These contemporary designs by Chanel exhibit this influence on fashion. Below are two images from a show in Russia. The first one shows the tunic-like dress with elaborate fringe throughout and headdress adorned in jewels draped around the face and chin. Also layers of fabric with tights, etc., are additional traits of Byzantine fashion. The second image exhibits a strong Byzantine influence as well, I think.
Romantic:
The Romantic period is definitely showing in modern fashion of the times. The different “un-natural” waistlines, flowing fabrics, and long lengths, in addition to ballooning effects, were a part of the silhouette then, and the mood and feeling of how the people were portrayed in art gave an additional component to the way fashion was viewed at that time. In the images below, the Romantic period shines through with the different lengths and waistlines etc., as well as the way the models are photographed and captured. Jesuspeiro Bridal Suite 2008….
In the Impressionistic Era of fashion, the fullness in the skirt moved to the back of the body, and color and patterned textiles were light and frothy. Below are a couple of different designs showing influence from the Impressionist Era. Each of the designs show a modern twist to the bustle and a strong architectural neckline.
100% Cotton Babycord Skirt, Clothkits, London
Gauri & Nainika Karan, Victorian Inspired Dress
Surrealism:
Surrealism did not really have a specific identity; however, the ways in which a composition was constructed did have somewhat of a formula. Unrelated objects and symbols were placed in the same visual space and context, so that the observer’s mind could fabricate a meaning. In fashion, the formula was similar. Pairing materials and objects together in a garment and delving into the relationships that people had with their bodies was the objective. Below are some examples of Surrealistic influence on fashion today. Red Rose Poodle Suit, by Gareth Pugh
Yang Du, Surrealistic Designer
Abstraction:
Abstractions captured more of the feel of the piece rather than figurative compositions. Artists tended to capture the essence of their subjects without creating recognizable objects. In fashion, especially in the 60’s and 70’s, garments and designs leaned toward exhibiting bold colors, geometric shape, and simple, unadorned silhouettes.
John Bates for Jean Varon, Autumn / Winter 1973
Origami Shoes, by Marloes ten Bhomer
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