It’s
the collection that has a touch of Elizabethan accessories, a dash of Baroque
flair and a touch of Rococo romance. The
fall collection for Giles showcased several details reminiscent of these
various time periods.
Royal-worthy sashes evoked the feeling of going to the
Parisian court of Versailles with Louis the Sun King.
The
romantic bows were reminiscent of the feminine detailing always seen adorning
the gowns of Madame Pompadour from the Rococo era.
Many
of the designs in the Giles collection featured ruff collars and wrist
accessories. Though these continued in various forms through the Rococo era many years after the Elizabethan era,
they instantly evoke the look of Queen Elizabeth I.
The accessories send a
message of power and inaccessibility as it separates the wearer from the
viewer.
References also connect to the Baroque era in designs like this golden suit. The front detailing mimics corset strings and is
accented with a bow. The details and the color of the outfit mirror aspects of the portrait of Henrietta Maria from 1623.
By
using points of inspiration from time periods spanning hundreds of years, the
designer invokes a sense of history while translating the historical notes into
a modern world.
Photos: Vogue.com