by EMERSON SLOANE
Back in the first Victorian Age, fashion was undergoing a significant phase of modernization--otherwise, you wouldn't have seen the extravagance of design, color, and structure that we're all familiar with when it comes to the aged photographs of the time.
Clothing became more machine made in factories rather than bespoke by dressmakers. This enabled lavish embellishments that would have taken many, many hours to do by hand. The price of lace dropped as machinery made the production of it less costly for manufacturers and synthetic dyes became all the rage, adding brilliant hues to the fashion, at affordable prices for both consumers and manufacturers.
Fast forward 115 years and we're seeing a return--a darker and smokier femininity, though, this time around, making the neo-Victorian trend primly provocative, naughty and natty, and, above all, leaving abject simplicity in the winds of yesterday. Pagoda sleeves, sumptuous lace, feathers, pearls, full length dresses and skirts--all leave you wondering, hoping, and dreaming of what lies beneath. In that way, the full allure of Victoria's secret comes alive in this Fall's fashions--steaming up while covering up, just as the temps begin to drop.
Jewel hues continue their color reign over the runways this Fall and the feel is decidedly bohemian, gypsy, and free. Designer Sophie Theallet summed up the collections this year..."It's about the freedom." What about those pants by Tamara Mellon? A decidedly confident modern take on the Victoriana trend that is also suitable for the boardroom.
The Accessories
This Fall, accessorizing is all about the neckline. Collar necklaces complement the Victoriana trend with silvers and golds and the ubiquitous black onyx. More is more, whether it's the shoes, the bags, the feathers, or the pearls. It's a season of excess as the holidays approach. If you're up for it, add a touch of steampunk.
Over the last two few seasons, we've been sliding the clock back...1920s Downton Abbey inspired pieces...Edwardian Elegance...and now Victorian excess. Are you ready to time travel this fall? Back to the future, runway style.
© 2015 Haven Style