Modern Designers and How They Have Been Influenced By Elizabethans

Still to this day, Elizabethan hair and makeup is influencing looks for fashion looks and editorials; it is everlasting. There are constantly new adaptions, and recently the rise of the Elizabethan has made many an appearance:

Chanel Pre-fall 2013 Collection Catwalk:

Just looking at these photos, it is immediately clear how strong an influence Elizabethan hairstyles and fashion was upon this collection. There was an abundance of red headed models present also, which added to the allusion of Elizabethan times. The strong, regal headpiece on the model in the first photo is a merging of contemporary jewellery and the Elizabethan love of hair accessories and adornments on the head, and I think that it looks incredibly striking. I love how the Elizabethan look has been transformed into an acceptable, modern day aesthetic that is shown to the whole of the fashion world, and the ancient hairstyles are brought back to life and given a 21st century remodel.

Balmain for W Magazine spread: 'Dame of Thrones':

I absolutely loved this feature when I came across it. This whole look has a very strong Elizabethan theme; everything is covered in pearls and lace. What I found interesting about the hairstyle is that they have placed a 'crown' shaped shape on the head of the model, and flattened the hair until it is practically not visible. I love the use of the prop here as it subverts the stereotypical tall, curly Elizabethan hair, but it is still noticeable that the whole look has this influence. This is another example of designers using Elizabethans as an influence for their work, as Balmain has taken the Elizabethan aesthetic and accelerated it. 

Thom Browne Spring 2014:

It is extremely exciting being able to pinpoint which looks and collections have Elizabethan influence, and it is clear that Thom Browne's 2014 spring collection uses Elizabethan hair influence very strongly, as he adds a futuristic twist to it. A lot of the models wear Cauls on their head, however in this instance rather than being decorated with jewels and pearls and lavished with metallic strings, it is white, in order to conform to the monochromatic look of the collection. 

However the collection begins to take a comedic, colourful turn and the cauls are then made colourful and have pearls on them. This particular hairstyle is also a messy version of the tall, padded Elizabethan hair. I love that they have combined Elizabethans with a look that can only be described as 'The Joker' from Batman, a true example of contemporary and Elizabethan looks being convoluted.