REGENCY STYLING

The Radical War is embedded into the contextualisation of my narrative as a cognisance of the similarities in society currently and then, in the 1820’s. Nonetheless, alike the other eras, it is their approaches to styling which will be translated visually into my concept. The 1820’s is categorised as the Regency Era, a romantic period, reflected in garment form.

I can delineate how fashion has been transcended through the centuries as lavish materials, bountiful frills and elaborate trims are perceivable within New Romantic fashion too, which coalesces my themes ideally. Exaggerated silhouettes were popular in this period, with copious layers, padding and 3D trims creating voluminous shapes to enhance cinched waists.

Male fashion engaged a flamboyant nod in ruffled blouses, corsetry, and printed pin stripe bottoms, and, although, it wouldn’t be pronounced in this era- these styles would be highly considered gender bending today and truly reflected a dandy man who appreciates suave styling, fitting with my target consumer who favours androgynous-wear.

My target market level for this hypothetical collaboration is luxury through a conceptual lens. Charles Jeffrey and John Galliano currently direct brands which market to a luxury consumer, who are unafraid to be excessive and courageous in their dressing. As I have centralised on their ostentatious and theatrical natures, whilst uniting these with Dada Art too, the conceptual market appeared a suitable fitting to supplement.

A study by a student in Hong Kong University, defined conceptual fashion as “fashion in finding yourself, in presenting the authentic nature of your internal and external self. Not reflection on the observation and evaluation of others, but instead personal sensation, and fashion as a medium to achieve this”. My primary research revealed how Generation Alpha seek the obscure and unique, meaning they will turn towards conceptual concepts which envelop such exclusivity, eccentricity, and defiance. This collaboration allows them to embrace themselves, where there is an injection of identity and fluidity and a resonation with their emotions with the world. T his cohort’s rebellious attitude will impel them to obtain an ‘I don’t care’ outlook, therefore money is no object to them in this mindset and their millennial parents can easily be influenced to consume into their buying habits to support in costs too.

According to a report by Bain & Company, the luxury markets consumer base will reach 500 million by 2030 with Generation Y, Z, and Alpha making 80% of the purchases (Business Insider, 2023) further emphasising how my consumer will purchase into my target market of luxury through a conceptual lens avidly.