Saturday, February 23, 2013

Austen-tacious: Regency Strikes Back




The delicacy of lace billowing in the wind, the sound of silk rippling on strolls across peaceful country estates… these are symbols of a world that now exists only in books, a society that adhered to a system of chivalry and raffinement, and a time that ran more leisurely than our modern day frenetic sprint.



Some of that charm has returned to the 21st century. Bodices lined with buttons, delicate embroideries, layers of lace and tulle are all returning: reminders of simpler times, where days ran slowly and were dedicated to the enjoyment of life.



The runway has witnessed the return of Regency: in Marc Jacobs' latest show, he had the surprising and quirky inspiration to revive "bloomers": knee length flared pants worn underneath skirts. He did this for aesthetic purposes, but the pretty practicality of it can be made part of your everyday, from bike rides to trekking the world on countless railroads.


Of course, modernity always leaves its mark. Gone is the time to latch on over twenty buttons and lace up a multitude of ribbons: now zippers take their place and the buttons and ribbons are purely ornamental, little luxuries in a world that prizes efficiency over whimsicality.


the Rose

P.S. In the comments box, let us know! What time period do you wish you could travel to?

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