THEMES

Be sure to explain how and why you choose a specific product/garment/decoration would fall under that
theme.

 Function of dress in the social context (applies to every time period) ex for each one
o Gender
 I think shoes are a great example for this because for women, we have high
heeled shoes, very feminine, flashy, popping colors, where as men’s shoes are
more subdued with more dark, neutral colors. Especially with the shoe game,
athleisure is a very in trend style, men and women shoes are differentiated by
colors and fit. Take the Nike Air Max 97’s, a classic staple in sports fashion, has
men and women designs. The first pic is Air Max 97 women’s in rose gold. The
women’s styles have more colors, and easily distinguishable as women’s. The
men’s is on the left in black and white, looking more masculine, and there’s
more of these designs for men that have more “manlier colors”.

o Age
 I think lingerie is a good example of ‘womanhood” and when I think about what
distinguishes maturity and design that has a intimate relationship I think of
lingerie.

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o Class/status
 I chose the Hermes Birkin Bag because it’s a symbol of wealth.
  There’s a six year wait list and it comes at a five figure price.
 You can’t walk into Hermes and just buy one, you need to wait until
you’re offered one. You need to have a relationship with one of their
associates, have a purchase history with Hermes, then they need to
meet you and see how serious you are about buying one, then you get
on the list.
 The most expensive handbag is the rare Himalayan crocodile Birkin with
white gold detailing and 245 diamonds, it was sold for $300,168.
 There’s also known as a good investment, as they have increased in
value by 500% over the last 35 years. ppp
o Group membership
 Choir is always in fashion and so is their robes that distinguishes who they are
and what they’re doing.


o Ceremonial dress
 Of course the obvious is weddings because it’s a very popular tradition that we
love to dress up in very beautiful gowns, surrounded with flowers, and
decorations all around us so instead of Americas traditional weddings, here is
one of Indian culture that is way more interesting.


o Attractiveness
  Makeup is a good choice because today it’s used so often/diversely/extremely
that it changes anything you want it to and can make it as natural or as extra as
you want.


 Social Communication:
o Eco friendly, green, sustainable clothing and make up is something our generation is
becoming more focused on so brands like nike, patagonia, pacifica, and burts bees are
making more green products without harmful products and efforts in reducing waste

o
 Historical context
o I would say Audrey Hepburn’s little black dress is something that’s referenced a lot and
still a classic staple in every womans closet. The simplicity of her outfit even with the
pearls and sunglasses will always remain an iconic look that’s recreated in different
variations today.
 o
 Cross cultural
o Asian characters on clothing has been trending for a moment, consumers might not
know what they say but still wear them because they’re in style and have that “edgy
look” teenagers like.

o
 Geography
o Canada gets as low as -40 degrees Fahrenheit so in that part of the world where it’s
usually cold, residents and tourists wear big jackets and parkas to keep warm.
 o
 Clothing as an art form
o In fashion, hip hop is very influential right now so what our artists are wearing, street
wear, that look is very hip hop inspired.

 Technology
o The advancement of technology has helped us reach 3d printing and even in its infancy
it still has done a lot and has tremendous capabilities.