Fighting History
Whilst it is perhaps hard to find much academic discourse on the development of everyday historical dress, there is much documentation and analysis of battle uniforms and body armour. What this says about human society is perhaps interesting, but lest we are doomed to simply finding bigger and better ways to kill each off, I would like to explore the fashion inspiration that body armour can provide.
The need for armour and protection, along with its morbid implications, is actually quite the intrinsic human trait. Clothing is in its own way a form of protection, where the sword is replaced by the ostensibly less threatening but even more potent power of Nature. Many may see body armour as solely constrained to the realm of the history of warfare, however there is in armour a rich and intriguing development of aesthetics and functions to be found. Indeed fashion designers have often be drawn to the inspiration of body armour, taking the idea metaphorically or, in some cases, rather literally, and playing this against the element of protection already inherent to clothing itself.
I was absolutely fascinated with this historical photographic survey of body armour and war clothing in Japan. Removed from the context of the battlefield there is an elegance and beauty to their crafting and wear. Indeed my personal favourite is the last photograph of the Fighting Monk, with the patterned headdress, complex pleating, layering and shiny metal armguard. I suppose an element of morbid interest is perhaps never far off when viewing such images, for what they represent. However from a purely visual aspect, I find it quite beautiful.
In fact the photographs actually reminded me of the Fall 2007 collection by that master of theatrics, John Galliano. The relationship speaks for itself...
Of course with a more direct adoption of such an inspiration there is always the question of practicality and everyday dress. As such, along with the more costume-oriented looks, there were more diluted and accessible looks. I would personally mix and match pieces from both the more costume and the everyday looks.
But it was Galliano after all, so a little drama towards the end was called for...
(I have to admit that I would happily wear those gloves)
Currently playing: Always Love - Nada Surf
xxxx
The need for armour and protection, along with its morbid implications, is actually quite the intrinsic human trait. Clothing is in its own way a form of protection, where the sword is replaced by the ostensibly less threatening but even more potent power of Nature. Many may see body armour as solely constrained to the realm of the history of warfare, however there is in armour a rich and intriguing development of aesthetics and functions to be found. Indeed fashion designers have often be drawn to the inspiration of body armour, taking the idea metaphorically or, in some cases, rather literally, and playing this against the element of protection already inherent to clothing itself.
I was absolutely fascinated with this historical photographic survey of body armour and war clothing in Japan. Removed from the context of the battlefield there is an elegance and beauty to their crafting and wear. Indeed my personal favourite is the last photograph of the Fighting Monk, with the patterned headdress, complex pleating, layering and shiny metal armguard. I suppose an element of morbid interest is perhaps never far off when viewing such images, for what they represent. However from a purely visual aspect, I find it quite beautiful.
In fact the photographs actually reminded me of the Fall 2007 collection by that master of theatrics, John Galliano. The relationship speaks for itself...
Of course with a more direct adoption of such an inspiration there is always the question of practicality and everyday dress. As such, along with the more costume-oriented looks, there were more diluted and accessible looks. I would personally mix and match pieces from both the more costume and the everyday looks.
But it was Galliano after all, so a little drama towards the end was called for...
(I have to admit that I would happily wear those gloves)In a total aside...
Currently playing: Always Love - Nada Surf
xxxx