10 HOT
STORIES
DÉJÁ OOOO
As the fashion elite showcase their
beautifully decorated must have garment
of the season, Grazia champions the
creator of the elaborate waistcoats...No,
not Dior, not McQueen...the 18th Century
Royals.
It’s the Revolution
don’t cha know!!
18th Century England was
the time of revolution and
change. It was the age of
civilization and elegance
with music, art and literature
creating one sophisticated
society. With the popular-
ity and circulation of books,
newspapers and periodicals,
people were better informed
and allowed fashion to be
seen and copied.
We’re not quite talking Fer-
rari but the improvement
in transport such as canal
systems and better roads
coupled with increased trade
overseas meant the use of
new and exciting materials.
With the fashions being dom-
inated by the French tastes
and styles for luxury and
dignity; big, expensive wigs,
lace, lavish silks, satins and
brocades gave the perfect
portrayal of wealth; parading
status and power through
clothing. The aristocracy dis-
torted and exagerated their
figures with false hair, false
hips, false breasts and false
eyebrows...I guess the Geor-
gians are used as inspiration
by many of todays celebs....
not naming any names!
THE ROYALS
The Kings and Queens of the 18th
Century fashion world were literally...
the Royals. Prince Albert was always
the head and height of fashion with his
intricately embroidered waistcoats and
famous pocket watch.
But don’t worry, you’re not expected to
whap out your Windsor tiara and sea
pearl gown, make like the fashion royals
of the 21st Century and embellish your
distressed summer denim waistcoat
with patches, badges, studs or fringing
for this seasons most decorative
garment.
The LBD that
oozes ‘I’m
over you’...
the killer heels
that scream
‘Independent
woman’...the power
shoulder blazer that
declares ‘I was made
for this job’ or the white silk
embroidered waistcoat that
paraded ‘I am important’
The waistcoat was the ultimate por-
trayal of wealth and social standing as
well as being a colourful focal point
of the suit. Not wearing the waistcoat
was considered ‘undressed’ (almost
like forgetting your underwear...
CRIIINGE!!) and was adapted to suit all
aspects of everyday life.
Fabrics and materials were a showcase
of prosperity and status and were pre-
dominantly made from the finest silk,
muslin, cotton and velvet (bang on
trend for A/W) Specific colours were
even reserved for the upper class and
royals such as creams and white, light
blues, pinks, silver and gold and were
intricately embroidered, brocaded,
quilted and laced.