La Belle Epoque: A Revival of an Era in European Fashion

Abstract

This project seeks to explore the characteristics of European fashion through a cultural and historical filter. Italian, British, and French cultures were examined, along with how their fashion aesthetics were directly affected by their historical backgrounds. This research was conducted through living and studying abroad in a span of two years through the UH Manoa Study Abroad Program. A semester spent in Florence, Italy studying Advanced Fashion Design and Couture Construction; a term spent in London, England studying Fashion Styling and Millinery; and a Fashion Styling Internship which included styling editorial photo shoots served as a valuable insight into what happens behind the commercial scenes in this field. Attendance of London and Milan Fashion Weeks, as well as the Pret-a-Porter (ready-to-wear) and Couture Fashion Week in Paris allowed for firsthand work experiences while being immersed in the heart of these fashion capitals. A nine-piece collection including womenswear, menswear, and accessories was designed and created for this project featuring European aesthetics and couture sewing techniques. The modernization of classical silhouettes and juxtaposition of textures and fabrics are showcased as inspired by the time period overlapping the Victorian and Edwardian eras, known as La Belle Epoque. A printed exhibit catalog accompanies the collection, illustrating the steps of the design process and detailed descriptions of each garment. This research experience abroad is a breakthrough in bringing opportunities to students in Hawaii by improving the current fashion curriculum and inspiring the local fashion industry to adapt to global standards. This runway collection was showcased on the 46th Annual Apparel Product Design and Merchandising Senior Fashion Show in April of 2012 at the Hawaii Hall Lawn of the University of Hawaii at Manoa.