The New Elizabethans.

Edward Bond ‘The Third Crisis: Drama and Civilization ’

“The first Elizabethan age ended with the discovery of brave new worlds (and incidentally the joining up of the United Kingdom). We are certainly on the edge of vast new unprecedented worlds, cosmic changes in culture, economy and society (and ironically the possible dissolution of the United Kingdom). But are our new worlds brave, cowardly, explorative or degenerative? It could be said the old Elizabethans plundered the new worlds. Perhaps now we can only plunder ourselves and call it trade."

The idea of a new Elizabethan age has been defined, promoted and challenged in Britain. How does Elizabethan values continue to present themselves in contemporary definitions of national identity, culture and character? 

In response to Edward Bond's observation of our current 'New Elizabethan Age', I have presented a few images to represent what I feel reflects a contemporary Elizabethan in terms of make-up, hair and styling. 

The runway now is full of aspects of the new Elizabethan era, you can see collars, corsets, ruffles, powder and big hair. Many designers have embraced the Elizabethan theme, taking it from different angles and extremes. Here are a few examples: 

Collars

There is nothing more aristocratic and romantic as a high collar. Givency makes use of a restricting harsh collar whereas Valentino's use is more 'delicate'. 

Spring collection 2013. Givency.
From: www.stylebristo.com.
Last accessed: 28th Oct 2013

Spring collection, Valentino.
From: www.whowhatwear.com, Last accessed: 27th Oct 2013

Ruffles 

Ruffles make the perfect trimming against simple garments for a sombre richness reminiscent of the era with no need for additional embellishments.

Chloe 2013 Spring Collection
From: www.wsj.online.com
Last accessed: 28th Oct 2013 

Chloe 2013 Spring Collection

From: www.wjs.online.com

Last Accessed: 28th Oct 2013 

Corsets

Corsets in the Elizabethan era represented the restraints of women and of idealistic beauty. In these modern day collections, they are purely impractical but still reflects the ideal women by giving shape and structure to the body. 

Dolce and Gabbana. spring collection 2013.

From: www.dailyfashion.com

Last accessed: 28th Oct 2013 

Dolce and Gabbana. spring collection 2013.

From: www.dailyfashion.com

Last accessed: 28th Oct 2013 

McQueen spring collection 2013. From: www.glamour.com. Last accessed: 28th Oct 2013 

Powder and Big Hair

Hair is all about volume and height, accompanied with a snow white complexion, it definitely has a hint of Virgin Queen. 

Vivienne Westwood. Spring Collection 2013.
From: www.stylebistro.com
Last accessed: 28th oct 2013

Vivienne Westwood. Spring Collection 2013.
From: www.bellasugar.com
Last accessed: 28th october 2013 

Project Brief: The New Elizabethans

I have been given the make-up brief 'The New Elizabethans' - the focus is on collating historical research and technical observations of makeup and styling used in the 16th and 17th century to create a contemporary Elizabethan character. 

Image - www.milesalridge.com 2013   

I need to consider the make-up, hair and styling identified in paintings from the Elizabethan Era, but also acknowledge that certain makeup and hair styles used by Elizabethan women had references to their age, class and status. 

My aim is to research all the ideas and techniques behind Elizabethan make-up, develop my own techniques and my own style in recreating the Elizabethan image, and finally producing the final contemporary look. 



My objectives: 

• Acknowledge studio safety and hygiene. 
• Learn about the historical contexts and cultural value relevant to the fashions in period and contemporary looks. 
• Develop an awareness of research as the basis of creative design development.
• Establish the relationship between research, design and realisation required for a successful project outcome. 
• Develop photography skills to capture image. 
• Develop key transferable skills in communication, collaborations and negotiation.