Materials Needed:
- Computer with internet access
- Sketchbook or drawing paper
- Pencils, colored pencils, or markers
- Access to online fashion archives (e.g., Vogue Archive, museum collections) or fashion history books
Introduction: Fashion as Wearable Art
Welcome! Today, we're diving into the exciting world where fashion meets art. Fashion isn't just about clothes; it's a powerful form of self-expression, a reflection of culture, and, absolutely, a form of visual art! We'll explore how designers use elements like line, shape, color, and texture, just like painters or sculptors, but their canvas is the human body.
Activity 1: Time Travel to the Roaring Twenties!
Let's journey back to the Jazz Age – the 1920s! This era saw huge shifts in society and fashion.
- Research: Use online resources (museum websites like The Met or V&A, fashion history sites, or online encyclopedias) to research 1920s fashion. Look for:
- Key designers (Coco Chanel, Jean Patou)
- Iconic silhouettes (flapper dresses, dropped waists, cloche hats)
- Influences (Art Deco, jazz music, female emancipation)
- Common fabrics and embellishments (beading, fringe, silk, velvet)
- Gather Visuals: Save or bookmark images of outfits, accessories, and advertisements from the 1920s. Pay attention to the details!
- Summarize: In your sketchbook, jot down 5 key characteristics of 1920s fashion and one major cultural event that influenced it.
Activity 2: The Art of Fashion Photography
Fashion doesn't just exist on the runway; it's captured and interpreted through photography. Fashion photographers are artists who create moods and tell stories.
- Explore: Look up the work of famous fashion photographers who worked *during or slightly after* the 1920s, or whose style reflects that era's elegance or drama (e.g., Edward Steichen, Baron Adolph de Meyer, maybe even Horst P. Horst later on).
- Analyze: Choose one fashion photograph. Analyze it like you would a painting:
- What is the composition (how are things arranged)?
- How is lighting used (dramatic, soft)?
- What is the mood or feeling?
- How does the photograph enhance the fashion it displays?
- Reflect: Write a short paragraph in your sketchbook discussing how fashion photography acts as a form of art appreciation.
Activity 3: Design Challenge - 1920s Reimagined!
Now it's your turn to be the designer! Inspired by your research:
- Sketch: Design an outfit (it could be a dress, a suit, separates, or even just an accessory) that captures the *spirit* of the 1920s but with a modern twist. Think about the silhouettes, details, or mood you discovered.
- Annotate: Label parts of your sketch, pointing out the 1920s influences and your modern interpretations. Mention potential fabrics or colors.
Discussion & Reflection
Think about these questions:
- How did the social changes of the 1920s impact fashion?
- In what ways is fashion design similar to other visual arts like painting or sculpture?
- How does looking at fashion from the past change how you view fashion today?
- Do you consider the fashion you wear a form of self-expression or art? Why?
Jot down some thoughts in your notebook.
Conclusion
Great work exploring the art of 1920s fashion! You've seen how clothing reflects history, how photographers capture its essence, and you've even stepped into the designer's shoes. Remember that fashion is a constantly evolving art form, deeply connected to the world around us.