The cooler weather not only dictates the way we think about dressing, it also affects our overall mood down to what we like to eat. Cozying-up becomes second nature during the winter months, from comfort foods to dressing oneself toasty-warm, which more often than not includes some kind of rich woolens and furs.
Portrait of Moritz, Buchner, c.1520 by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Sibylle von Kleve, c.1531, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Portrait of a Young Man, 1521, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
For all the fashion history buffs out there, looking at period costumes is not only fun and educational, it sheds a light on the clever practicality of the sartorial past too. Yes, central heating is a rather new development in the history of humanity; folks of yesteryear knew how to keep themselves warm and stylish, just as they do today, with a little help from the international fur trade.
Portrait of Dr. Johannes Scheyring, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Burberry – Fall 2011-Winter 2012
Portrait of Gerhart Volk, 1518, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Trapper hat trimmed in finnraccoon
Portrait of Dr. Johannes Cuspinian, 1502, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Gucci – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
For the privileged aristocratic and bourgeois set of 16th century southern Germany, while there was some practicality to fashion, it was also about presenting oneself in the ultra-luxe and distinctive looks of the day. Fashion history is accustomed to looking to Western European examples as its style barometer, which is very French-centric. But asides the Courts of France, England or Italy, the southern German State of Saxony shined as brightly as any other courts and warranted some traffic-stopping looks.
Taufe Christi, 1556, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Portrait of a woman, 1539, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Jean Paul Gaultier – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Johannes Carion, c.1530, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Maison Martin Margiela – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Portrait of Katharina von Bora, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Some of the most distinct examples were undeniably chronicled by Lucas Cranach the Elder (4 October 1472 – 16 October 1553), court painter to Duke Friedrich III, “Frederick the Wise”, Elector of Saxony (17 January 1463 – 5 May 1525) and his successors. For fashion designers seeking inspiration for their cold-weather looks the Saxon Style is pure magic! It has enough details, fashion twists and decadence to fuel creativity for many designer collections.
Portraits of Henry the Pious, Duke of Saxony and his wife Katharina von Mecklenburg, 1514, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Portrait of Hans Luther, 1527, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Viktor & Rolf – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Portrait of a Young Woman, 1530, Lucas Cranach the Elder
Portrait of Johann the Steadfast, 1509, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Yves Saint Laurent – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
For designers looking to incorporate more fur into their designs, it is a true treasure-trove of beautiful and clever details, layered in textures and colors, and accented with some seriously jewelry.
Be sure to check out these posts, too:
- Historical Influences in Fashion | The Garrick Coat
- Dressing the Neck | Fur Fashion’s New Focus
- Art in Fashion: Oscar Wilde says
- Fall Fashion Trending: The Art of Symbolism
Portrait of a Lady, 1528, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
Céline – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
Magdelena of Saxony, 1529, by Lucas Cranach the Elder
BCBG by Maz Azria – Fall 2012-Winter 2013
