Historically Now
The Historically Now clothing line draws inspiration from clothing of previous eras and different nationalities. Each piece gives some history of the inspiration and an approximate era for the original.
Victorian Dress
History
Victorian woman would wear a cotton chemise under a corset and overdress. In the early 1900’s, silk and rayon slips were used in place of the chemise.
Notes
Done in cream and gold or red and black, the corseted/fitted top cuts across at the hips and could have detachable sleeves. The skirt is flowy in design and reaches to the ankle.
Rainbow Mini-Dress
History
In the mid to late 1960’s, mini-dresses were popular and the hippie movement took root.
Notes
Bust and middle strip done in black or white, with the other stripes done in rainbow colors. Material is stretchy and the bottom should flow/bell out around the person wearing the dress.
Empire Dress
History
The Empire silhouette is the term given for dresses with a high waist. The Empire in question is the First French Empire, where Napoleon’s first Empress popularized the style.
Notes
The portion of the dress that goes over the shoulder is slim where it connects to the body of the dress but wider at the shoulder. The overdress is in two different styles, one has ruching and the other has a criss-cross tie at mid-bust. The underdress acts as a slip of sorts. The overdress and underdress could be sold separately or together.
Gladiator Outfit
History
Roman gladiators were usually slaves who fought in the Coliseum during the early days of Rome. Gladiator games were performed for almost a thousand years.
Notes
The top is large necked and should fit loose on the person. It can either be white or see-through with a spaghetti strap top beneath. A wide belt is provided with the top and the top could be worn with a large necklace or many gold necklaces. The skirt has a few pleats/slits at the bottom. Lace up or gladiator sandals and a wide leather bracelet are recommended for wear with the outfit.
Greek Chiton
History
Although men also wore chitons, the chiton was the outfit of Aphrodite because it was considered feminine. The belt, known as a zoster, was worn under the breast or around the waist. If fastened by a clasp or brooch at the shoulder, the fastener was called a fibula. Fibula is now commonly known as a leg bone in the human body.
Notes
One shouldered dress with a brooch (fibula) styled to look like a laurel on the shoulder. The brooch will allow the wearer to change how low the dress hangs (and allow for different body types). A belt of gold links or braided rope will be set at the waist. The dress should hit at knee link with room at the bottom for the dress to flair slightly.
Middle Ages Top
History
In the 1400-1500’s, the sleeves on ladies’ dresses were long, hanging, and embroidered or fringed. The necks started to be left uncovered and necklaces were worn. This period was part of the Late Middle Ages that preceded the Renaissance for most of Europe.
Notes
The top has a wide neckline that allows for necklaces to be worn against the skin. The sleeves are long and belled at the bottom. Potentially they could be embroidered or have lace at the edges. The top should fall at the top of the thigh and have a belt at the waistline.
Peasant Blouse Styled Bikini Swimsuit
History
The peasant-style blouse became popular in the 1940’s, in thanks to Latin Hollywood film star Carmen Miranda. Miranda’s first Hollywood film was in 1940 and called Down Argentine Way and in 1945 she was the highest paid woman in the United States.
Notes
The bikini is styled like a peasant blouse with half sleeves that can lay on the shoulders or upper arms. The bikini bottom could be high-waisted or sit at the normal bottoms location.
Other potential inspirations: Native American, Middle Eastern, Asian, Polynesian, Norwegian, pre-Revolutionary War era, Civil War era, 1920's
