To find an inspirational designer to me wasn’t hard, Valentino has always been a favourite of mine. Through the simple lines and the detailing which is very advanced for the Fashion industry I knew this was something I’d want to look into. To find a collection which I could get the designers inspiration from I didn’t have to look hard. I looked at Vogue and noticed that Valentino’s Fall 2016 Couture collection has plenty of information on where the designers got their inspiration from.
This Couture collection has used William Shakespeare as a main subject for the garments created; by using his famous storylines. Valentino has also looked at the Elizabethan era with its architecture, portraiture and the Italian catholic renaissance.
To focus on one image, I’ve chosen this original Elizabethan portrait, I think it sums up the collection easily. The first thing I notice by comparing it to the Valentino garment is how alike they are, I could easily understand the Valentino garment being the original Elizabethan costume.
One thing that Valentino has taken from the Elizabethan era is the bodices, the puffed sleeves, the necklines, the brocade and the shape of the silhouette. I immediately notice the Elizabethan ruff around the neck which was a popular trend from that time period; it doesn’t show in this portrait, but however it shows how they covered their necks with detailing.
With both the images I’ve noticed how they decorate their garments as well with the detailing and the jewellery which shows power and money – what social class they are. The rich textures of the fabric also bring them both together, this was another popular trend for that era as everyone followed the queen to show their wealth and status.
Click on link
I feel that the Valentino collection really connects with the Italian and Elizabethan renaissance era as you can see what key parts they have taken to create the Couture collection.
http://www.italymagazine.com/featured-story/renaissance-part-5-art
http://elderbradengriffiths.com/mantova-italy-gem-of-the-renaissance/
https://www.rsc.org.uk/shakespeares-life-and-times
http://www.artistsandart.org/2009/12/portraits-of-women-in-italian.html
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/catholic4all/popes-of-the-catholic-church/
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-2016-couture/valentino
https://www.pinterest.co.uk/explore/sacred-heart-cathedral/
http://www.philippagregory.com/family-tree/queen-elizabeth-i
https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-merchant-of-venice/about-the-play/dates-and-sources
https://www.citelighter.com/film-media/fashion/knowledgecards/womens-fashions-of-the-elizabethan-era