When I was in college, I took a History of Film class. A friend warned me that by the time the class was over, it would change the way I look at movies forever. They were totally right - knowing that certain sets are a nod to a certain director, or that certain scenes are a reference to part of a classic film, greatly deepened my appreciation for the art of filmmaking.
Fashion is no different. Designers have drawn inspiration from each other throughout time, and so through time we’ve seen a cycle of certain cuts, color combinations, and design details that remain recognizable even as they evolve and modernize. Modern drop waist dresses recall flapper style, while a draped gown can evoke the look of ancient Greek robes. The clothing from each period of time reflects the attitudes and values of the time, which can teach us a lot about human nature, and ourselves.
I’ve created a series of boards that reflect styles that have become classics - styles that we see repeated and referenced periodically, or in some cases, regularly. I will create posts that explain my interpretation of each period separately, but for now, you can see the boards here and enjoy with me how rich and interesting the history of clothing is: