History of Fashion: Final Paper Topic Choices

1.

Time: 1940s

Location: New York City

This photograph showcases 40s street style in New York City. I was immediately intrigued by this picture because it really fits my aesthetics. I like the boxy shoulders, shirt collar, tight waist and knee-length skirts. It also includes a lot of 40s typical elements and accessories such as plaid, stripes, big hats, gloves and umbrellas. I find 40s style to be both elegant and suitable for work.

The style is pretty similar to my personal style, but different from my design style. I have designed knee-length skirt but I usually tend to make them super tight or super big. I also like to use sequins and metal ornaments a lot in my designs. However, for the future of my career, 40s’ style is definitely my favorite style to explore.

2.

Costume name: Ziggy Stardust

Time: 1973

Location: UK

Designer: Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto

Model: David Bowie

This is a famous jumpsuit designed by Japanese designer Kansai Yamamoto for David Bowie’s Ziggy Stardust. I was really interested in the flamboyant style of rock stars and David Bowie is one of my favorite style icons. I love the societal and cultural movements in the 70s I think this jumpsuit really shows the attitude of 70s fashion. This costume is shining, extravagant yet simple. It’s really similar to my design style and I would love to dress like this as well.

Time: March 1915

Company: Vogue

I am really intrigue by many vintage Vogue covers and this is one of them. It demonstrates 1910s style in an elegant and artsy way. The girl is wearing a flowing long skirt with red and white stripes, accompanied by a red sun hat, red high heels and a red parasol. It really amazed me that the current “all-red” trend actually existed so long ago. This illustration fits both my personal style and design style to some extent.