Identify the historical references of one collection from a specific designer active any time after 1959.
The Ask
THE PROCESS 🇦🇹
THE PROCESS 🇦🇹
The first step was selecting a collection, leading me to the designer, Karl Lagerfeld, best known for reviving old fashions. I chose Chanel’s 2014/2015 “Metiers D’Art Collection” for it’s deep Victorian and Edwardian references, which was accompanied by an original short film, ‘Reincarnation’. The film illustrates the moment of inspiration behind Coco Chanel's iconic little black jacket, which stemmed from her stay at an Austrian hotel.
Through my analysis, I discerned that Lagerfeld's intention was to pay tribute to the gilded ages, drawing inspiration from Empress Elisabeth's influence during the Victorian era. Just as Coco Chanel drew inspiration from historical Austrian fashion, Lagerfeld honored the past by reinventing it with his distinct interpretation and style. The conclusion of the short film emphasizes these intertwined influences, echoing the letters "CC", representing Coco Chanel, while also paying homage to Empress Elisabeth's nickname, "Sissi”.
Outcome
While analyzing Chanel’s 2014/2015 Metiers D’Art Collection in Salzburg/Paris, I gained a deeper understanding of how historical references are celebrated and continued in contemporary fashion. I developed the ability to recognize fashion eras and utilized that knowledge to identify Karl Lagerfeld’s fashion philosophy, influences, and historical references.
