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Instructions:


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1. Find ONE of the six posts you like! (Please don't choose one that already has two comments)
2. Look at the pictures, read the similarities, differences, and background info.
3. Read the two or three 'questions to consider.'
4. Hit the 'no comments' link, which will bring you to your comment.
5. Type your age, gender, and then answer the 'questions to consider'!


The age and gender information helps give other readers (and myself) a better idea of who is responding, and helps them to compare their own opinions to those of similar or different demographics.

Thanks!

Caitlin Lee

Lilly Pulitzer flapper dress vs. Actual flapper

Flapper, 1920's

Lilly Pulitzer fall collection, 2013

Similarities: Both are slim-fitting, but not form fitting, and seem to be made of similar silvery or metallic fabric that gently reflects the light. The embroidery or beading is similar, as well as the necklines. 

Differences: The Lilly Pulitzer dress is obviously much shorter. I would venture to guess that the fabric quality and craftsmanship are higher, as processes for making clothing have improved over the decades. It is interesting to note the the height of the heels is much different. The flapper is wearing what we call 'kitten heels'; shorter and easier to walk in. The Lilly model is wearing full heels. 

Background info: According to the Lilly Pulitzer blog, The Juice Stand, the designers at Lilly were inspired by the new Great Gatsby movie and the "Roaring Twenties". During this time the cultural of change in the US, hemlines were getting shorter and fashion more daring. 

Questions to consider:

1. If the flapper was suddenly transported to the future and asked to wear this dress, how to do think the difference in culture from the 20's to present day would affect her perception of it?

2. What are the physical differences between the authentic flapper dress and the Lilly Pulitzer dress?

3. How would the Lilly Pulitzer dress/model be perceived by the people of the 20's?

Cartier emerald necklace vs. J. Crew necklace

J. Crew Jewels

Cartier Emerald Necklace

Similarities: Both pieces are obviously beautiful. They feature deep green stones and exquisite craftsmanship. Design similarities include "diamond" or crystal edging and emeralds dangling down. 

Differences: The J. Crew necklace is around $160. The Cartier necklace was last auctioned at $2.1 million. It was created for the British actress, Merle Oberon, in 1936 by Cartier. 

Background info: According to Jewels du Jour's auction archives, during the late 30's and early 40's, Indian and Oriental cultures were strongly influencing the Art Deco period, when glamorous and impressive jewelry was all the range. During this time of exotic gems, Cartier was also concerned with authenticity--they used important emeralds from India in their designs for the time! This is true of Merle Oberon's necklace as well. 

Questions to consider:

1. What influences do you see in both the J. Crew necklace and the Cartier necklace?

2. J. Crew has a more global influence nowadays with the ease of seeking inspiration at the click of a mouse. Do you think an exotic piece like the Cartier necklace would make as much of a splash in 2013 as in 1936?

3. Why do you think Cartier left the emerald stones uncut?

Extra: This is Merle Oberon. She was too beautiful not to include!

Navajo Rug Pattern vs. Boutique Dress

Navajo Rug

Boutique Dress

Similarities: To begin, the geometric patterns are much alike, utilizing diamonds, squares, and the repetition of these shapes. Along with this, although the background colors differ in each piece, the color schemes are similar. Burn oranges, reds, and blues are prevalent. 

Differences: This post is unique in that it doesn't compare to articles of clothing, rather it compares the patterns. The most important difference to consider is production time and quality. The rug would have taken countless man hours and skill to produce, while the Boutique dress was mass-produced and not made to last more than a few years. 

Background info: According to navajopeople.org, a cultural website run by the Navajo, an ancient legend credits a goddess named Spider Woman for teaching humans about weaving. The rug, or blanket, featured in this post is called a "Mexican Saltillo Serape" design. Navajo women captured by Mexicans used their dyes and techniques to create these vibrant blankets. 

Questions to consider:

1. Is it disrespectful to use ancient Native American patterns for everyday clothing?

2. In terms of culture, what inferences would you make about the type of person wearing the dress vs. someone who has the rug hanging on their wall as a decoration?

Lilly Pulitzer shift dress vs. 60's shift dress pattern

Lilly Pulitzer shift dress

Dress Patterns, mid-60's

Similarities: The shape of the shift dress is universal: a simple, slightly A-line dress with no defined waist, usually stopping at the knee. As you can see from the two pictures, this rings true. The Lilly Pulitzer shift dress could easily be drawn into the bottom picture and she wouldn't be out of place at all. 

Differences: The differences in such a simple design are negligible. 

Background information: The culture of the 60's was one of emergence; emerging from the (in my opinion) straight-laced, simple design and class of the 40's and 50's to a freer, more free-flowing style of dress. While the dresses of the 40's and 50's had defined waists, the 'mod' style of the 60's was all about the shift dress. These changes in fashion came along with changes in attitude and cultural norms. 

Questions to consider: 

1. Why do you think that we, as a culture, recycle fashions? (i.e. nostalgia, practicality)

2. With almost all major designers selling their goods online, how quickly do you think a trend such as "Retro 60's" would catch on in places like England, or even Japan?

3. Which decade of fashion do you personally prefer? 

Young sailor vs. Tory Burch coat

Young Sailor, circa 1919

Tory Burch Grayson Coat, $600

Similarities: both coats are dark colored and have a double row of buttons. The collar and stripes on the Tory Burch coat are reminiscent of other nautical uniforms. Tailored menswear has become a stable in women's fashion lately, with pieces like this cropping up in every designer's lookbook.

Differences: First off, I can guarantee the young boy did not pay anything close to $600 for his coat. His is a little less fitted and proportionally shorter. The quality, presumably, of the Tory Burch coat is higher, but I would also presume that the young boy's coat would last longer without any planned obsolescence. 

Background info: Women's fashion has been one of the most visible indicators of cultural change throughout human history. One could argue that up until recently, with the full convergence of men's and women's fashion, that women's fashion was becoming steadily more menswear-influened since around 1900. Nowadays for example, I could go to the men's section of Old Navy and pick out a perfectly cute outfit. (Bernard, K. 2011)

Questions to consider: 

1. What other 'classic' nautical influences do you see in fashion today?

2. Do you also think 600 bucks is outrageous for a coat? 

3. Why do you think menswear has made such a 'splash' in the fashion industry?

Ancient Egyptians vs J. Crew

Ancient Egyptian Pectoral Necklace

 J. Crew Statement Necklace

Similarities: Deep indigo and red/amber colors, gold metal, and large adornment. Both are intended to show status, convey a sense of wealth, and draw the viewer's eye. 

Differences: The largest difference is availability. In ancient Egypt, the pectoral necklace would have been priceless; a gem reserved for Pharaohs. Now, anyone with about $140 bucks can purchase the J. Crew jewels. The craftsmanship of the J. Crew necklace is higher quality, though the skill required to craft the Egyptian Pectoral trumps all.

Background info: In the 19th and early 20th century, a fascination with Egypt and Middle-Eastern culture and art developed in Europe and America, fueled by grandiose discoveries like the tomb of Tutankhamen by Howard Carter. News of this was the first real global exposure for some people. (Purcell, K. 2011)

Questions for consideration:

1. Which necklace do you prefer, and why?

2. In terms of culture, what do you think an ancient Egyptian would say about the J. Crew necklace? Would it seem familiar to them?

3. What other cultural influences can you see in the J. Crew necklace? For example, is there a design element you find similar to a culture other than the ancient Egyptians?