Fashion: Travel through Iconic Designs

• Fashion
• Further Education (Key Stage 5)
• Upper Secondary (Key Stage 4)
• Higher Education (degree)

Introduction

This class is a perfect introduction for students to the world of fashion and design. Take them through some of the most influential fashion houses such as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. By analysing iconic designs and understanding cultural influences on fashion, students not only gain insight into fashion history, but are also challenged to explore their own creativity. Creating mood boards and analysing trends make this an interactive and engaging experience!

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Polonaise dress (late 18th century) 

This dress was worn by women in France and England in the late 18th century. With a tight bodice and a skirt that was raised in three parts to reveal an underskirt, this dress was playful and airy. Inspired by rural life, which Marie Antoinette romanticised, the polonaise marked a transition to a more informal and rural fashion, far away from the stiff court style.

Dior’s "New Look" (1947)

After World War II, Christian Dior introduced the "New Look" with full skirts, narrow waists and a feminine silhouette. This brought a refreshing, opulent style after the austerity of the war years.

The invention of the "little black dress" (1926) 

Coco Chanel introduced the little black dress (Little Black Dress), which combined simplicity and elegance. This became a timeless garment symbolising chic and sophistication.

The miniskirt (1960s, this 1966 photo)

Mary Quant, the British designer pictured, introduced the mini-skirt, which became a symbol of the revolutionary youth and women's movements in the 1960s. It was an expression of freedom and rebellion.

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1. Panier
2. Crinoline

The term "silhouette" refers to the shape or general outline of a garment. The shape or silhouette is actually the two-dimensional outline of a garment. It represents the structure and proportions of the garment.

Paniers extend only on the sides and are otherwise quite flat.

1. Panier
2. Crinoline

The crinoline is round (and later oval) in shape.

A crinoline, also known as a hoop skirt, was a garment worn by women between 1850 and 1870. It was used to give dresses a wider, bell-shaped look, which was then seen as an elegant, feminine shape. The crinoline resembles the "paniers," another type of hoop skirt that was popular in the 18th century. Both served to make dresses look wider and the waist narrower.

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It is often grown in warm climates.

It is made

from natural fibres.

It is breathable and absorbent, ideal for summer wear.

T-shirts are often

made of this fabric.

1. Silk
2. Linen
3. Cotton
4. Polyester

It feels smooth and has a luxurious feel.

This fabric has a glossy surface and a matte backing.

Is usually made of synthetic fibres.

1. Spandex
2. Satin
3. Velvet
4. Silk

This fabric is not natural but synthetic.

It is often mixed with other fabrics to improve durability.

A lot of sportswear and cheap fashion are made of this fabric.

It is wrinkle-resistant

and dries quickly.

1. Nylon
2. Elastane
3. Fleece
4. Polyester

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Fashion knows no borders and is influenced by cultures from all over the world. Each culture brings unique styles, symbols, colours and patterns to fashion, creating a vibrant mix of traditions and innovation. Designers draw inspiration from this diversity, making fashion a celebration of individuality and cultural pride.

Appreciation occurs when someone wants to understand and learn about another culture in an attempt to broaden their perspective and connect with others in an intercultural way. Appropriation on the other hand is simply taking an aspect of a culture that is not your own and using it for your own personal interest.

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Mindmap 

Question: Which fashion houses do you know all about? 

Do: Have students fill in/list fashion houses which they know. 

Do: Activate prior knowledge 

Question by what do they already know about these fashion houses?

Assignment: moodboard 

Do: Have the students create moodboards with images, colours and materials characteristic of one fashion house. They should then explain how this fashion house has influenced trends in the fashion industry. 

Example: how Dior "New Look" changed fashion in the 1950s.

Quiz: Boeken

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