fashion analysis
Analysis of a collection
Thom Browne
Menswear ss20
This essay was for my contemporary fashion class where I analyzed the theme of gender in the collection and how it was interpreted through the use of American sportswear and 18th century French styles.
THE SHOW
RESEARCH
Courtesy of the Cabinet des Estampes, Bibliothèque Nationale.
Bennahum, Judith. The Lure of Perfection : Fashion and Ballet, 1780-1830, Taylor & Francis Group, 2004.
“The incorporation of athletic motifs and early 20th century men’s sportswear spoke to masculinity standards and their place in the heritage of American menswear.”
The application of early 20th century men’s sportswear styles and materials spoke clearly a gender-construct commentary. Important research topics included American masculinity and its relationship to dress.
“The incorporation of 18th century French womenswear elements not only feminized the menswear silhouettes, but also carried the history of the oppression of the female form. “
I started my research by digging deeper into the history behind some of womenswear silhouettes found in Browne’s collection. Important topics included the history of ballet fashion and Baroque era French court fashion. Brownes collection referenced many silhouettes related to the topic which were juxtaposed against American sportswear.
“This stylistic relationship Browne created reflects the current zeitgeist in which traditional gender constructs are being blurred by progressive attitudes in contemporary culture.”
After careful analysis and critical thinking I synthesized my argument.
THE ESSAY
