(images: HBO)
[NOTE: IF YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT EACH FASHION TRIBE, START HERE]
You knew it was only a matter of time before armor jumped off the small screen battlefield and onto the one in Fashionland. For fall, Tory Burch channeled antique armor and created something a tad more suited to doing battle in a modern urban jungle - interestingly, her father collected armor which inspired her. In March 2014, the Worcester Art Museum will host Knights!, a major arms and armor exhibition with five themes: Courtly Pursuits, The Dance of Love and War, Knights of the Round Table, The Arc de Triomphe and Good + Evil. The purpose will be to showcase these items not only within their historical context but for their aesthetic value as well.
(armor image: source)
(image: source )
Expect armor to show up on the runway and on fashionistas, particularly by way of statement jewelry. Like this 17th century ceremonial neck & breastplate protection piece called the gorget (above). Which would look simply stunning strung on a chain and worn with everything from a simple white tee and dark jeans to a LBD to formal eveningwear.
The appeal, I think of wearing items inspired by historical armor is twofold: 1) there's the obvious: that it's armor, which feels protective and right in today's unstable world; and 2) that it's meticulously made by hand. Metalsmith James Arlen Gillaspie has long specialized in medieval and renaissance armor for use in simulated heavy combat but also creates armour-like jewelry. "I was originally trained as a jeweler/silversmith, and it shows in my work," he explains. "I have done everything from earrings to architectural sculpture." However, as a serious student of armor, he specializes in tempered steel pieces devoted to the German Gothic period, but his 16th century work also has an enthusiastic following. As does his jewelry, of course. These pieces would make a stunning addition to any fashionista's accessories collection.
Here is the podcast I recorded about how this trend relates to the Folkspun fashion tribe - Episode 74: the Game of Thrones Armor Fashion Trend
Podcast notes:
fashion designer Tory Burch has a dad who collected armor
decorative armor at the Met Museum
a lovely breastplate from Knights!
relationship writer James Michael Sama
armor metalsmith James Arlen Gillaspie
Music: Kevin MacLeod, Incompetech.com
- Lesley Scott
FOLLOW FASHIONTRIBES ON TWITTER!
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK!
FRIEND US ON FOURSQUARE!
HEART OUR TUMBLR!
