A vintage concept: Fashioning the past in bridal wear, 1830-2012

Special Event | Updated 1 decade ago

Unveiled logo and back of a wedding dress
Regency Bridal 2011, Image courtesy of Lydia Edwards

Dr Lydia Edwards
Lecturer, School of Communications & Arts, Edith Cowan University

It's not only modern brides who have enjoyed 'vintage chic' on their big day. High fashion of the 19th century revived historical styles, adopted for both day and evening wear and for the most important dress of a woman's life: her bridal gown.

The dynamic 19th century was an era of innovation and inspiration … yet as technology steamed ahead, fashion designers were searching the historical archive for style ideas from a previous golden age. Women of the upper class sported 17th and 18th century embellishments on their gowns, from the polonaise skirt of the 1870s to the balloon sleeves of the 1830s and ‘90s. The pleasant nostalgic novelty of these designs was no less popular with brides, many of whom chose to dress themselves - and their bridesmaids - in gowns that evoked a glimpse of a former age. Where does this instinct for ‘retro’ revival in fashion come from, and why is a desire to evoke the past important for so many brides today? Join Lydia Edwards as she explores the background of historical inspiration in womens' wear, and the great impact that it continues to provide for bridal styles today.  

COST: Free event
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