GUEST POST: Royally Inspired Runways

Hello IFFers! (What? Is that even a word??)

Alright, it’s time to get our fashion learn on. I’m switching things up a little bit here with a fashion history guest post from the talented Laura Diaz. She’s a fashion addict with a deep love for soap operas (mostly Telenovelas – she is Latina, after all!). She’s a NYC girl who is trying to make her way through college (studying fashion history and journalism). When she approached me about writing a guest post I was thrilled to be able to collaborate with a fellow fashion enthusiast. Now time to take a step back in history…

Love,
Iris

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Royally Inspired Runways

Fashion trends are styles in clothing that are embraced rapidly by large groups of people during a certain period of time. Few trends become permanent as fashion is a constantly changing world, but it is fascinating to see how they tend to reappear cyclically over time.

One of the oldest trends that still remains today, sometimes through very subtle manifestations, is the so called royal trend. It is considered to have begun in the largest kingdoms during the Middle Ages when Queens had to show their power, affluence and overall lavish lifestyle through their clothing, wearing rich silks and velvet, embroidered with pearls, gold and all types of jewelry.

Observe this trend through history by comparing the old portraits of Queen Isabel I of Castile, to the modern day representation of her life through Spain's hit series "Isabel" and to the futuristic vision of this trend from top runway designers.

(Above: Portrait of Queen Isabel I of Castile; Scene from Isabel with the Queen in her court; Three designs from the Alexander McQueen Fall 2010 fashion show.)

(Below: Sample sketches of outfits worn by Spanish nobility from a Renaissance dance; Close-up of Michelle Jenner as Isabel; Dress from the Alexander McQueen Spring 2013 Collection.)

The costume design of "Isabel" portrays the period's fashion with elegant detail and accuracy and demonstrates how these trends have inspired many of today's top fashion designers such as Alexander McQueen and Dolce & Gabanna. In case you're also interested in following this great series that keeps an eye on royal fashion, or if you are a big fan of telenovelas like I am, I'd recommend you try this one!

(Above: Portrait of Queen Isabel I of Castile; Still of Michelle Jenner as Queen Isabel I from Isabel; Runway dress from the Lela Rose Spring 2013 Mercedes-Benz collection.)

What are your favorite fashion trends that continue to reappear?