The Ask
Identify and analyze one collection from a specific designer or brand active at any time after 1959. In the analysis, include information about historical influences or current events that may be reflected in the collection, and include the designer’s philosophy.
The Process
When selecting a collection to analyze, I knew I wanted to choose a couture show from the 90s because there’s a certain allure to garments from that time. I combed through dozens of collections and eventually went with John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 1996 Haute Couture collection for Givenchy. He combined various periods in fashion history to create this one-of-a-kind amalgamation of clothing. Between bustles from the Victorian Era to 1920s flapper dresses, Galliano takes the audience on a time-traveling journey. When drafting my analysis, I took note of the details on each garment that indicated which period Galliano was referencing, or which historical event played a role in his decision-making process for the collection.
The Outcome:
Galliano’s collection offered a new perspective on the history of restrictive fashion that women used to wear. He took confining pieces like corsets and bustles and turned them into something that the liberated modern woman would wear. His talent and genius are obvious in both his perspective and the impeccable tailoring and skillful silhouettes showcased in the collection.
