Fashion History: Ruffles, ribbons, and the Rococo period

credit: moodboard created by Rowan Heywood

Corsets from this period were designed to give the illusion of a tiny waist by using whale bone to add structure to the bodice. The hemline was often pointed at the front and back and the bust line was squared to emphasise the curves and shape of the body. They were usually made from silk taffeta and decorated with ribbons, ruffles, and lace to represent status and luxury. 

Many designers have taken inspiration from this period including fashion brand Moschino, who was influenced by the period for its fall 2020 collection. The collection was inspired by Marie Antoinette, who was a style icon of the time, and influenced fashion during the mid 1700s. These looks featured decorated corsetry, frilled hemlines, and extravagant skirts. Tunisian designer Azzedine Alaia’s Spring/ summer 1992 collection also brought back the corset styles from this period, taking inspiration from Madame De Pompadour, chief mistress of King Louis XV from 1745 to 1751. The corsets were made more wearable for modern times by using different fabrics, including stretchy textiles. Alaia achieved the tiny waist by adding leather belts to the garments and producing corsets inspired by the stiff undergarments from the Rococo period.  

 

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