If the runways of New York and Paris were any indication of fall’s mood in fashion, women will be falling in love with a 19th Century return to lady-like drama. Never has the catwalk been adorned more with Victorian influences certain to find their way into closets and wardrobes.
Adored designers Alberta Ferretti, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy and Valentino all sent their models out with a courtly English nod this season befitting a stylish woman of Charles Dickens’ time.
Theatrical high necklines made hearts flutter at Louis Vuitton, Prada and Dior, leaving everything to the imagination. If you want more inspiration, look no further than one of my guilty pleasures, Showtime’s “Penny Dreadful.” The lead role is brilliantly portrayed by the enchanting Eva Green scurrying down cobblestone streets and descending breathtaking staircases in period costumes worthy of Queen Victoria herself, even though Her Majesty was known to be more conservative in her personal dress than were the ladies of her court and her queendom.
Ruffles, lace, tassels and mutton chop sleeves were reinvented in modern ways on the runways with the use of bright colors. Vera Wang embellished her signature tailored suits with intricate knots this past spring, while Louis Vuitton was anything but austere with his version of the flounce hem this fall. It’s being called the happy hemline, and who can resist a bit of happiness in the movement of any skirt that might otherwise be sad?
I don’t know about parasols, cloaks or corsets, but if you want to be on trend these coming wintry months, take your cues from these fashion giants and “Jane Eyre.”
The Dispatch Editorial Board is made up of publisher Peter Imes, columnist Slim Smith, managing editor Zack Plair and senior newsroom staff.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 32 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.