I cannot over state how much I truly, TRULY, truly believe that fashion is a method with which to tell our stories. From our day to day lives to eras in time to celebratory events- our fashion and fashion choices let us express how we’re feelings, what we want, and in some cases : move history forward.
And while I have this deep held believe, we can often see it reflected in TV. Not just in the aspect that TV can show us fashion that we can aspire to and inspires us (I wrote about that before, see here and here and slightly here), TV shows can also chronicle the stories that fashion had a hand in telling. I’m talking about the newer shows Feud: Capote vs The Swans (airing on FX and Streaming, detailing not only the INFAMOUS Black and White Ball-most gowns are in the MET- but also Captoe and the NY Society Ladies he loved and battled with) and The New Look (on AppleTV, depicting the creation of the House of Dior and the fashion changing “New Look” post WW2).
Note: as I am BEHIND, I haven’t been watching either- but have been reading, recording, revering from the couch and am actively planning weekends to indulge in what looks like (if nothing else) GORGEOUS television
There is drama to be had in these show- from society and new business conflicts. But there is also beauty, and a deep fashion history. The New Look? It changed how women dressed- especially after the war and the “return of femininity”. The Black and White Ball that Capote threw? It launched model careers, designer careers and encouraged the Ad Vaunt Guard looks of the 60s/70s. (Again, fashion shown in both of these shows has had books written about it and is on display in museums).
So, how does this help us tell our stories? There is of course, the inspirational aspect- even if vintage there are outfits that can be inspired by these shows! There is the history- fashion, my favorite kind! And, there is also the lesson (not just don’t feud with a society elite!), but how to dress for certain events, how to push the boundaries, and how to react when fashion (and live) goes astray.
I plan on having more to say–and outfits to share- when I watch the shows (soon!) but in the meantime, here are thoughts I’m loving reading!
On Feud:
Feud Brings Back The Fine Art of Getting Dressed
A MasterClass in Vintage Costuming (note! A ton of my vintage friends have helped on this show!)
Dressing the high-society ‘swans’ in ‘Feud’ was an adventure in both authenticity and artistry
A Closer Look at the Swans Costumes
On The New Look:
True Story of New Look
The Story behind the Dior and Chanel Chaos
Christian Dior: The New Look
The Secret History of Chanel
Have you been watching these Fashion Stories on TV? What do you think about them? How are they inspiring you? I would love to hear all about it!
XO RA
