Back To Black
This week during Hallowe’en social media, as usual, delivered a variety of dark and gothic fashion. This year felt different because so much of it ties in with current trends. Suddenly it seems much more interesting and connected to serious fashion, Richard Quinn’s recent show at London Fashion Week being the perfect example.
Contrasts In Fashion
Fashion is often about contrasts and in a season that is a riot of colour there is also a strong trend for black. Richard Quinn’s collection was predominantly black in colour but didn’t start out that way. With 10 days to go until his London Fashion Week show, Queen Elizabeth died and the designer made the decision to transform the collection to mark the passing of the Monarch. Working day and night, up against a very tight deadline to produce an incredible show.
Drama
The colour alone brings so much drama to the collection. The clothes are arresting and powerful Reminiscent Victorian mourning fashion, they are heavily embellished with many of the models wearing veils. This is interesting because so many of us have spent the last couple of years wearing face coverings of a different kind that wearing a veil almost seems like a natural progression.
Victoriana
Queen Victoria wore black for half her life following the death of her husband, as well as influencing this collection it also resonates with the current trends for corsetry, chokers, feathers, sheer fabrics and lace. It feels historic but is totally modern.
Victorian Originals
As this trend is rooted in history, it means that it’s possible to find some great vintage originals to use to re-create the look. This particular era was such a long time ago that many of the pieces available are really very old and delicate. The population was physically smaller in size in those days and clothes were made to order so dresses tend to be tiny. A good way around this is to explore original capes – a cape will fit most people and combined with a modern clothing gives the look without going overboard.
Accessories.
Accessories are great for updating or creating a look with minimal effort. A veil is a great starting point, dramatic and very easy to make by customising a headband and using some vintage lace, things that can be easily sourced on second-hand/vintage websites.
You Don't Have To Go It Alone!
Of course re-modelling or making clothes from scratch can be daunting. If this is unfamiliar territory for you why not join our Facebook group Front Row Thrift Flipping in this link and create alongside other fashion lovers? It's a great way to sound out ideas if you're unsure or if this is new to you.
Sewing Patterns at frontrowrepro.com
Our patterns are created with future seasons in mind and are perfect to use alongside up-cycling projects as well as creating garments from scratch. Currently available from frontrowrepro.com Why not give it a go?
It doesn’t matter how good you are at sewing, it’s not about being perfect first time, it’s a skill to develop over time!
Now that you've been inspired why not join our community?
Front Row Thrift Flipping is a Facebook community of makers, creators and up-cyclers of second hand clothing who love fashion. If you'd like to have a go at making or up-cycling some old clothing click on the link and come and join the fun! For regular news and updates click on the link and sign up to our newsletter
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