Keeping with the theme of important fashion moments and trends of 2019—although this one is not about latex couture—a late-in-the-year entry is making current news. Greta Gerwig’s soon-to-be-released Little Women is being cited as much for its excellent movie story-telling as its relevant fashion.
The film’s costume designer, Jacqueline Durran, has employed what is called “prairie trend” style (also been termed “Civil war chic”) in the movie’s wardrobe choices. And while Durran is not breaking new haute couture ground (presenting new fashion on a period piece would create an anachronism to be sure) fashionistas are noting that her style choices for this 6th filmed version of the classic tale as much accurately reflect the style of the 1860s as our modern times.
Lace-up boots, lace gloves, long hems, and petticoats, graced many runways of 2019. Designers like Simone Rocha, Erdem, and Molly Goddard showcased products and their models wearing many accessories, wardrobe pieces, and even hairstyles that the “March Sisters” do in Louisa May Alcott’s famous novel.
The restricting couture of the era in which the fictional women of Alcott’s tale live, for many a designer, and for many women presently, reflect female struggles still prevalent in our culture. The famous line from the book, “Dear me, let is be elegant or die,” certainly is in direct opposition to the self-actualization some of the main characters realize in their personal growth, and we hope all people (men and women both) come to in their lives.
What is old is undoubtedly new again in fashion as it is in all aspects of our culture….and in the case of the fashions in the new Little Woman, still quite relevant. And just another in the amazing fashion moments and trends that happened, and in this case, are still happening in 2019.
Greta Gerwig’s Little Women opens Christmas Day.
