The Influence of Victorian Fashion on Contemporary Fashion

History of fashion can be traced back to many centuries ago and it has been evolving over the years. History suggests that early people did not use any form of clothing to cover their bodies since they walked naked. The development of fashion started the first time human beings realized the need of putting on clothes. The basic purpose of clothing was to cover certain parts of their bodies as well as protecting themselves from the harsh weather. The purpose of clothing changed when the aspect of fashion appeared. Since that time, the styles of dressing have been changing with time to fulfil the people’s urge of looking good. The period from 1840-1900 is marked as a crucial era in the history of fashion because the roots of contemporary modes of dressing and fashions are in this period. The current styles were highly influenced by the creativity that was demonstrated during the period.

            During the era, the dressing styles for men and women were characterized by particular features and some of them are still evident in the current fashions. The Victorian influence was founded during the 1840-1900 epoch and it has been undergoing modifications to come with the contemporary fashions. Victoria was so influential particularly on fashions because people wanted to dress and look like the members of the royal families. The designers used the idea to develop fashions that were appealing to many people. The influence was not only limited to the dresses, the hairstyles, as well as body makeups, were also transformed under the Victorian influence.

            When Queen Victoria took over the throne at her young age, many people looked at her as more than just a political leader. To the young people of her times, she marked a period for regal fashion and she inspired many[1]. The indulgence of Victorian velvets might appear out of place within an era where classy dressing styles reign supreme, but more than two centuries later the fashions are in existence but in slightly different forms. The fashion is seen in the streets but commonly in the movies that are based in the Victorian period.  

            Over the years, the world has experienced several trends and styles come and go, ranging from shoulder pads to Miami vice suits, in addition to acid wash jeans. The trends have been altered across the years but particular trends have always reappeared in the current fashion. Analysis of modern fashions reveal that almost every fashion in the present days has its basis in the Victorian epoch. There are particular examples that can be used to demonstrate the Victorian influence in the current fashion. Among the most popular fashions that started during the Victorian period is the gigot sleeves. The fashion of sleeves started slightly off the shoulder and puffed out before narrowing towards the lower section of the arm. The style is still present in the modern high-end fashions especially the designs of wedding gowns used in royal weddings. The fashion has also inspired the appearance of other styles by designers. The newly designed fashions might appear slightly different but they have particular aspects in common. The peplum style that is common in the current fashions was also started during the Victorian period. The fashion is characterized by an overskirt attached to another garment designed like a dress. Despite the fact that the current fashions are somehow different from the original designs, their present creativity was influenced by the Victorian fashion. There are several ways through which the Victoria fashion has affected the present day fashions. The comparison of pictures from the era and the contemporary fashions might look different but a close analysis reveals that they are similar.

            Corsetry is one of the high-end modern fashions that demonstrates how the Victorian fashion has been replicated to the present fashions. Corsetry is designed to slim the waist, at the same time giving a delusion of a bigger bust and curved hips[2]. The corset was a common style during the Victorian era. The fashion was commonly used from the 1840s and was particularly designed to show the entire body shape of a woman even under layers of long-sleeved dresses and laces. More than a century later, the corset fashion has changed shape somewhat, however, it is still the mainstay in the new high-end fashion. The style is commonly used by celebrities and that could be a reason why it is still persistent in the modern days. Currently, corsets are designed in form of structured strapless bustiers dressed over untucked shirts and lace-up belts. The increased use of the style by celebrities is an indication of how deep the Victorian is and how long it is expected to persist across several generations.

            White dresses are also part of the contemporary high-end fashions particularly for special events like weddings. Prior to the Victorian epoch, marriage ceremonies were mainly done in coloured clothes. Her choice of a white silk satin gown was however unique at that time. Since her wedding, the fashion trends for weddings changed completely until the present days[3]. The selection of the white gown by the queen was meant to be a sign of purity as well as boosting the struggling lace industry. Since the wedding of Queen Victoria, white wedding gowns have developed into an iconic fashion for brides for people across different social classes. The recent royal weddings show how the white gowns have been made to be portraits of weddings. The fact that a wedding is a one-day event has influenced designers to come up with fashions that look like the white wedding gowns but are used as normal clothes.

            The present-day High-end fashions are characterized by the use of heirloom jewelry that is mostly manufactured from highly valued minerals like gold and diamond. The Victorian fashion, particularly for the royal families, indicated uses of jewelry and to some, it was a sign of wealth and power. Queen Victoria loved jewelry and she put them on in form of body ornaments as well as designing her clothes using the extremely esteemed materials. She used different pieces of jewelry depending on the occasion but they characterized her mode of dressing. The trend was copied by other Victorians and the trend has spread to the present days. The Victorian-inspired jewelry is common particularly among the celebrities that wear them in normal as well as during special events for example performance[4]. The jewelry is won in form of necklaces, earrings, rings, plus designing the ornaments permanently on the dresses. A major transformation in the use of jewelry between the Victorian era and the present days is that most jewelry is customized.

            The clothes of Queen Victoria was made using some of the most expensive materials that existed at that time. The queen’s satin and silk evening gowns were trimmed with lace and the Russian velvet. Her blouses, dresses, and skirts were fastened with gemstone brooches and pearl buttons. The luxe fabrics in the manufacture of clothes were founded in the Victorian era. The materials are currently considered as highly valuable and they retail at the highest prices on the market. In the modern fashions, quality in dresses is not limited to the style of the cloth, the material used matters a lot. The fashion was liked majorly because of the material that was used to make the clothes. Modern designers use the material to designs whose prices are boosted by the quality of the material used.

            Detailed blouses are common in the current high-end fashions. The dressing style is valued as one of the most loved fashions in the current fashion world. The fashion was invented during the Victorian period. When the Victorian women were not dressed up in jewel-toned gowns, the women had adopted a more casual daytime appearance of laced up boots, long black skirts, and with the iconic detailed blouses with long sleeves and high neck[5]. The detailed blouses have been observed in various beauty competitions in different parts of the world. Just like in the 1940 to 1900 period, the detailed blouses are won with tiny cigarette trousers. The style has undergone little modifications because it still appears like the original designs that were won during the times of Queen Victoria.

            Victorian fashions are absolutely still influencing the current trends of fashions and modes of clothing. To gain a clear understanding of how the Victorian fashion is evident in the contemporary high-end fashions, there is need to examine the path of the evolution to the current times. Since the 1840s when Victoria has ascended to power, styles of clothing defined the position of people in the society. Many people do not understand the main point of influence on the current styles. The designs are based on the Victorian fashions. Besides influencing the clothing designs to the present times, the Victorian period was also marked by a transformation in the ways of making clothes. To meet the fashion requirements of the times, the dressmakers were obliged to adopt new technologies of making clothes I order to satisfy the various fashion needs of people. The changes affected both the male and female designs. From the Victorian era to the current days, the women fashions are more centered on celebrating the slim waists. The changes that have occurred in the fashion industry still demonstrate similar aspects that shaped the Victorian designs; celebrating a body shape with a slim waist and curved hips. The designs are meant to make wearers appear lovelier. The fashions incorporated several things for instance, boots, petticoats, corsets, and lace. The effects of the Victorian fashions are not limited to women designs, men’s fashions are also affected. The designs of men were centered on costumes that were designed to make them look attractive, sober, formal, and elegant at their workplaces. In the Victorian period, men used to put on long coats in order to look more formal and presentable. The trend has been replicated in the current fashions because men still wear coats for formal functions. However, the current coats were modified because they look shorter. Some coats for men that look exactly like the Victorian era coats still exist and are commonly used in weddings.

            The influence of the Victorian on the current designs is experienced in the styles of boots. The current fashions of footwear particularly boot still have the exact features of the Victorian designs. The comparison of the Victorian boots and the modern times reveals that the design of the shoelaces has remained the same over time. Despite the fact that the materials used today might be different from the Victorian times’ materials, the designs are still similar.

            The Victorian fashions are also demonstrated through the hairstyles among women. During the times of Queen Victoria, the favorite hairstyles involved braids and curls, whose reflection can still be seen in the current days. Like in the Victorian hair designs, the hairstyle is enhanced with the use of certain ornaments that make them appear more attractive. The current design of skirts are completely similar to the Victorian designs[6]. The skirts were won in combination with the corset. The difference between the old fashions during the 1840s and the present designs is that the old fashions are not fairly popular. The men’s hats won today have very little differences with the Victorian fashion hats. However, the Victorian hats are not recognized by many because the modified designs seem to overshadow their popularity. The modern period vests are less complicated just like the vests won during the Victorian epoch. The style of wearing the vests as an intricate part of a three-piece suit was invented and won by the men during the Victorian era. In the contemporary designs, the vests are still used as part of the three-piece suit. Such similarities are sufficient to explain how the Victorian fashion has affected the current high-end designs. The current clothes extract heavy inspiration from the designs during the Victorian period. Other than making people appear smart and presentable, the dress codes were designed to mean different things in the society. Particular designs were associated with specific social classes in the social setting. The Victorian vibe is still felt in the contemporary days. The Victorian fashions have been combined with today’s comfort and they result in a perfect combination. The continuous modification of the Victorian designs to make them more classy and comfortable is the reason why fashion will continue to exist in the present and future high-end clothing designs.

            The first influence of the Victorian fashions on the modern designs was observed in the special events clothes particularly the wedding gowns. Designers utilized their knowledge concerning the Victorian fashions to enhance their creativity in the society. In some cases, the ingenuity of designers is currently determined by their ability to make something more attractive but almost like the Victorian style clothing designs. Various designers have majorly specialized in designing their clothing lines after the Victorian period and the line continues in the contemporary days but with a more modernized edge. Recent designers of the high-end fashions across the world have been releasing styles with features that fit the description of Victorian designs mainly through the use of particular materials, as well as the old model styles. The peak of creativity for a majority of the known world’s best designers is creating new clothing lines that feature laces, heirlooms, and lush fabrics. The current dresses and blouses are inspired by the Victorian era dressing styles. Despite the fact that the Victorian era ended more than a century ago, its footprints are still evident in people’s homes. However, the current designs are described as modern forms of Victorian fashions because of the new features that designers come up with to make them more attractive[7]. The Victorian fashion is expected to continue inspiring the new designs because it seems to resonate with what many people particularly women admire in terms of their body shapes and attractiveness.

            The Victorian epoch is known for the emphasis the queen had placed on her design of clothes. What she wanted was to remain glamorous and attractive in order to fit in her new status as a queen. The influence of the fashions to the contemporary designs is the design of more feminine fashions. After moving away from the Chanel garconne appearance, the new designs set in. modern women have returned to more feminine shapes in the clothing collections. Just like the Victorian times’ styles, puff sleeves are still used to help create an appearance of a curved body shape amongst women that did not have them. Women are more interested in showing off their body shapes and the designers have capitalized on the hint to make styles that display the body shapes. In spite of the proper and prim feminine ideal of the day, the Victorian period fashions resulted in an exaggerated, and ostentatious appearance. Gigantic hoop skirts, tight corsets, in addition to outrageous hums influence the modern fashion trends to appear more dignified by contrast. During the era and like today, the styles of clothing are determined by propriety and trendy clothing was a sign of respectability[8].

The American fashion industry is characterized by evolving styles that are designed to meet the expectations of fashion lovers. The designs are majorly influenced by the old style dressing codes particularly the Victorian trends. Most designers believe that modification of the trends demonstrate a high level of creativity as well as fulfilling people’s fashion desires. One of the high-end fashion brands that is shaping the fashion industry and demonstrates the Victorian era styles is Gucci. The Italian luxury brand deals with both men and women designs. The brand is ranked among the best performing high-end fashions worldwide in terms of its annual returns. The brand is also adored by many because of its demonstration of heritage. The styles are characterized by the old designs that featured in the Victorian fashions. Iceberg is another fashion brand that is shaping the present day fashion industry. In addition, the design acts as a transition between the Victorian styles and the contemporary fashions. The collection features both male and female fashion materials. The goods range from clothing to fragrances. Most of the brands from Iceberg are made depending on the current needs of fashion lovers and some of their products are custom made depending on customer requests. The similarity between the organization’s products and the Victorian fashions is centered on the materials used. Most of its brands are made from materials that were commonly used during the Victorian era. The choice of materials is determined by their longevity and a similar factor was used to select materials during the Victorian era. The Victorian period fashion lovers and designers believed that the quality of a product is not only determined by its shape and outside appearance but the longevity of the material used matters a lot. A similar trend was adopted by the brand and most of its products are made from leather as well as other materials that lasts for long.

            The Victorian jewelry is also common in the modern fashion designs. The Victorian-inspired ornaments have been seen on the catwalk in supersized magnitudes. SS12 couture collection by Ricardo Tisci for Givenchy adorned models along with collarbone-skimming earrings and crystal entrusted septum rings are perfect examples of the brands that represent the Victorian fashion styles in the present days. The jewels are highly valued and form crucial part of the high end fashion brands that feature the Victorian designs. Some designers like Saint Laurent, Balenciaga, and Valentine are among the designers that base their knowledge and creativity in the Victorian era. The brands make use of luxe Victorian textures to make their brands known as AW17 collections. The designers have been changing the design and materials of their fashionable products to meet the current market requirements[9]. The brand’s products are characterized by moody lace, rich velvets, in addition to extravagant embroidery. The Victorian shirts has been shown in a variety of styles particularly in London. The style was demonstrated by Temperley London that depicted both high-necked pieces with lace-up details and ruffles. In another brand, Emilia Wickstead demonstrates voluminous sleeves, gothic fabrics, and luxe textures.

            The Victorian era marked a start in creativity among designers. The fashions that developed after Queen Victoria ascended to power had great influence on the contemporary high-end fashion designs. Some designs have maintained the features of the Victorian fashions. For example, some designs have slim waists while others have done some modifications to make them more trendy. The designers seem to be going back to the Victorian period fashions because most of them are deriving their creativity from the fashion museums where they redesign some fashions that were common during the Victorian period. Victorian designs marked an important milestone the development of current clothing styles and the influence will persist for many generations to come.      

Pictures of Victorian fashions and their influence on modern designs

Bibliography

Gaulme, Dominique, and Francois Gaulme. Power & Style: A World History of Politics and Dress. London: Flammarion, 2012.

Harris, Kristina. Victorian Fashion in America: 264 Vintage Photographs. Dover Publications, 2013.

Harris, Kristina. Authentic Victorian Fashion Patterns: A Complete Lady’s Wardrobe. Dover Publications, 2012.

Pedersen, Kathrine Vestergård, and Marie-Louise Nosch. The Medieval Broadcloth: Changing Trends in Fashions, Manufacturing and Consumption. Oxford: Oxbow Books, 2009.

Spiropoulou, Angeliki. “Historical Fictions, Fictional Fashions and Time: Orlando as the ‘Angel of History’.” Virginia Woolf, Modernity and History, 2010, 75-95. doi:10.1057/9780230250444_5.

Tierney, Tom. Victorian Fashion Designs. New York: Dover Publications, 2002.

[1] Dominique Gaulme and Francois Gaulme, Power & Style: A World History of Politics and Dress (London: Flammarion, 2012).

[2] Tom Tierney, Victorian Fashion Designs (New York: Dover Publications, 2002).

[3] Dominique Gaulme and Francois Gaulme, Power & Style: A World History of Politics and Dress (London: Flammarion, 2012).

[4] Kristina Harris, Victorian Fashion in America: 264 Vintage Photographs (Dover Publications, 2013).

[5] Kathrine Vestergård Pedersen and Marie-Louise Nosch, The Medieval Broadcloth: Changing Trends in Fashions, Manufacturing and Consumption (Oxford: Oxbow Books, 2009).

[6] Kathrine Vestergård Pedersen and Marie-Louise Nosch, The Medieval Broadcloth: Changing Trends in Fashions, Manufacturing and Consumption (Oxford: Oxbow Books, 2009).

[7] Tom Tierney, Victorian Fashion Designs (New York: Dover Publications, 2002).

[8] Angeliki Spiropoulou, ”Historical Fictions, Fictional Fashions and Time: Orlando as the ‘Angel of History’,” Virginia Woolf, Modernity and History, 2010, doi:10.1057/9780230250444_5.

[9] Tom Tierney, Victorian Fashion Designs (New York: Dover Publications, 2002).