Cape Dress: Interpreting a Historical Style through Modern Inspiration

Abstract

This dress was a result of a senior capsule collection that stayed true to the aesthetic and theme of the line, Bricklane to Buckingham. This piece is part of a five ensemble collection. The purpose of Brick Lane to Buckingham is to show the juxtaposition of the new edgier generations and the traditions of the older generation wrapped into one. The traditions and inspirations in this collection include The Vaults (Figure 1), whose mission is to “collaborate and conspire, embracing artists from all walks of life to come together and inspire others” (The Vaults). The Vaults incorporate the edgy and traditional generations. This design piece also incorporates this through the traditional cape, because the royalty in Britain often used capes as a fashion piece, “In the 1950s, designers reimagined the cape completely, eschewing functionality by abbreviating the length to the chest and closing the front (Figure 2). It was seen as a fashion statement, with an emphasis on shape, fabric, and seamless lines” (Cheng). The design also brings in the edginess of the new generation through patent and leather, which is very prominent in London's current streetwear.