Topic Proposal

1. Basic background information

Date: 1990

Context: My mom (far right) and her friends at a dental school summer picnic. The boys took the photo Kodak film developed at Walgreens. They played sports outside, it was summertime. A social day wear setting. Very relaxed and laid back.

Maker/Artist: A friend taking the Photograph

Creator/Designer: Sweater from Mexico (designer unknown), used Aqua Net hairspray, shell earrings, big sunglasses.

Subject/Model: My mom and her close friends

 

2. Explanation for your choice: Why do you find the image meaningful? Is it the aesthetic? Subject? Emotion? Memory? Narrative?

This image is meaningful to me in many ways. Seeing this picture of my mom with her friends when she was around my age makes me think of my life now compared to hers while we were a similar age and how much has changed. We can tell by looking at the clothing, hair, and makeup that the style over the years has changed drastically but it also makes me think of everything else in the world that has changed since then. When looking at the history of fashion I have realized that garments are what have stamped things in time. We know what was happening in that era to see what people were wearing. Looking at this photo, even if you have no context, we know that there’s a group of friends hanging out outside, most likely college students, and because of the hair somewhere around late 80’s to early 90’s.

3. Discussion of its relationship to your design work and/or personal style.
I would say my personal style is daily wear/ street style. I like feminine clothing but also look for comfort. Being in New York City I see a lot of people on the street going back to basics. As much as I love couture garments I think it’s interesting to see how people are going to solid colored sets and it is a style I enjoy. I really like the toned down minimal look because I think it’s chic and looks good on everyone. In the photo we see two solid colored sweatshirts, a cardigan, and a hoodie.
image

1. Basic background information

Date: 1995

Context: Daywear, sporty. Very iconic for the time, especially for a royal to be wearing this, the Princess of Wales. She started started the trend which is popular today, with biker shorts being sold for $300 and upwards. She’s leaving the Harbour Club in Chelsea, London. This is also not the only time Princess Diana is spotted wearing athletic wear. She was spotted many times wearing similar outfits, sweatshirts, biker short, and dad sneakers. This Virgin Atlantic Crewneck is special because it was gifted to her from Richard Branson who is the founder of the Virgin Atlantic Airline. Because of platform and royalty, Diana was a celebrity. She had an audience that followed her and her style was noted and recreated in many different ways. For a Royal to be wearing this was very recognizable.

Maker/Artist: Photographers/ paparazzi/ press catching her after her workout

Creator/Designer: Virgin Atlantic crewneck sweater

Subject/Model: Princess Diana

2. Explanation for your choice: Why do you find the image meaningful? Is it the aesthetic? Subject? Emotion? Memory? Narrative?

This photo is meaningful because it shows her confidence at the time. She was doing something new and different and Diana never really did what the royal family wanted her to do, especially how we see here with her clothing. The Princess typically wears something much more regal and polished. The typical outfit is usually a modest dress or skirt and a blouse with a high neck. It is paired with a jacket (blazer) and a hat. Princess Diana is changing it up and using her own style and ultimately created the “athleisure” trend.

 

3. Discussion of its relationship to your design work and/or personal style.
I would say my personal style changes greatly but that at times I take inspiration from athleisure. My personal style changes depending on my mood or where I’m going but I really admire how Diana doesn’t care what she wears, even if it is just to the gym. It’s effortless yet still looks great on her. I really enjoy how this look is simple yet very chic. My style is an outfit put together that has thought behind it yet looks extremely effortless. I incorporate biker shorts, leggings and sweaters into my outfit and then throw over something like an over sized jacket to keep the ratio of small (tight) and big (baggie) into my outfits/ style. What the biggest connection is between the photo and my style is confidence and movement. Being able to move freely and easily. From studying the history of fashion we know that women in the early 1900’s and previously would only where dresses because that is what was socially acceptable.

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