Elizabethan High Fashion:
I have started looking into modern takes on Elizabethan fashion, hair and makeup. Whilst researching, I came across this couture collection from A/W13 for Alexander McQueen inspired by the Elizabethan era. I found this idea of encaging the head quite interesting as it creates a reflection of the character of Queen Elizabeth who longs to be free and marry whom she wishes, yet is trapped by her own crown, her status and and power of England keeps her trapped and alone hence being called the "virgin Queen". The crown also gives connotations of modesty, virginity and chastity. I hope to maybe use this idea to inspire me when i create my final designs.
I like the high embellishment on these gowns and headdresses. I think they are very regal and reflect the status and power that Queen Elizabeth would have had while still looking modern and high fashion as the dresses are tight to the body, which wasn't a very Elizabethan fashion trait. The use of pearls, gold and white show symbolism within the designs such as youthfulness, purity/ innocence and wealth. With high necks, ruffs, lace, heavily jewelled gowns, embellishment and corseted waists these designs truly embody the Elizabethan era with an eccentric but still regal element. This is how I want my design to seem, eccentric but still regal, a hairstyle that any modern-day Queen would want to wear, while still pulling elements from a historical context for my design ideas.
The designs also incorporated modern aspects such as the showing of skin on the shoulders and legs through almost dominatrix looking tights. The show has quite an erotic and sexualised vibe because of the caged faces as this dehumanises the models and creates a sense of objectifying women. Metal is also incorporated into these designs frequently which would have never happened in the Elizabethan period as metal would have been used for armour and weapons, making metal a very masculine material to wear. Giving off the impression of power in modern day clothing designs.
Comments about the A/W13 show from Vogue writer - Jessica Bumpus.
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