Updated usually on Mondays and/or Thursdays!


Monday, April 13, 2015

A Not-So Fabricated History

Historical Origin of Brocade/Jacquard

Overtime, both brocade and jacquard have become extremely popular, as it is common to find them in forms of dresses, skirts, blouses, etc. Designers like Dolce & Gabanna design pieces that are inspired by brocade and jacquard. Despite the fact that people use the words brocade and jacquard interchangeably, they do have minute differences. To be completely honest, I still do not fully comprehend that exact differences, even after looking at over ten sources. The historical timeline of brocade was much more intriguing and comprehensive than jacquard, so here is a historical focus on brocade!


Brocade: Byzantine Empire
Brocade is a rich fabric that is primarily woven from silk and often embroidered with silver and gold metallic threads-a prime reason why I love brocade. Historically, brocade was woven by the Byzantines, and typically worn by the wealthiest of society. The Byzantine Empire was the central producer of brocade, and traded with China, who envied the Byzantines' secrets of silk making. Brocade became most notably important during the Italian Renaissance and Middle Ages; silk was a primary fabric produced by Italy. Nobles and royalty paid presumptuous amounts to wear the Italian fabric.
Dress: Abercrombie // Cardigan: Hollister // Crossbody Bag: Kate Spade

I mainly love this dress because of the gold and silver metallic fabric. It is a traditional floral-patterned brocade/jacquard dress. I personally think it is fun to wear for any semi-formal event or for a night out. I have also worn this dress to a wedding and a MUN Conference, so I have been able to incorporate it into all different types of events. 
 
My ever-beloved black crossbody! A black crossbody is a staple that can be worn with nearly everything. I love this bag because it is just small enough to carry around without hassle, but just big enough to fit in all my essentials-keys, phone, money, chapstick, etc.

HISTORICAL ORIGIN of TWEED and CORDUROY 

Tweed: Scotland// Corduroy (fustian): Egypt
Tweed is often referred to as an icon of traditional British clothing because of the moisture-resistant and durable fabric. However, tweed first originated from Scotland in the 18th century. Initially, tweed was primarily worn as outwear for outdoor activities, such as shooting and hunting. The material was rough, dull-colored, and hand-woven. Tweed has been worn by the entire social ladder, from nobles to farmers, which makes the fabric a rustic heritage. Corduroy, on the other hand, goes an even greater number of centuries back. Corduroy evolves from the cotton weave known as 'fustian.' Used in 200 AD in Egypt, fustian became more popular in the cotton trade by the 12th century. Fustian was a velvety textile that was sought after by royal Europeans. By the 18th century, fustian became especially popular among schoolmasters, and became adopted into ladies' dresses. It was then that fustian became known as 'corduroy' in England. In French translation, corduroy means the 'cloth of a King' (corde du roi). Even kids began wearing corduroy in the 20th century. Since then, corduroy has gone in and out of style. Luckily, it is in right now! (i love my corduroy pants too)

I actually took this photoshoot directly after my MUN conference on Saturday, so I thought I'd just stay in my clothes and show what I wore. It is definitely western-business attire, so you could possibly find it interesting to wear if you participate in Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, MUN, etc. Tweed and corduroy are great fabrics for business-styles. However, I also own normal corduroy pants and normal tweed jackets, so I have these same fabrics for casual clothing.

    
Bow Flats: Halogen (Nordstrom)

I LOVE pointed-toe flats. So classy. The leather base of this flat is what makes it so unique, and I love them. I've had them for several years, and I intend on wearing them for years to come!

                       

Saturday's Story:

 

  


I'll end it off with a little story about what went down when Diana and I were taking these pictures. We first went to the colleges to shoot the first outfit. After, we went to the parking lot near the Packing House, and it took over 15 minutes to find a parking spot-there were absolutely no parking spots. We ate at the Junction, a Korean-Mexican Fusion food restaurant, for dinner. I won't thoroughly explain what we ate, but to keep it simple. it was palatable. The waiter handed us the beer and wine menu, and you can guess the rest. Their food is decently priced, but our check turned out a little over $40...Why? Let me just say...broke students should skip appetizers- I'll leave it at that and keep that in mind next time. *chuckles*

P.S. But... but... the truffle fries were so good. T.T I say it was worth it.  -Diana

Thanks for reading!