Rococo style in 1700s fashion - Essay Example

History of Rococo Style Introduction Rococo is an artistic style of the 18th century that developed in Paris as a reactionagainst the symmetric and strict regulations of the past. The artists of this style used more florid and graceful approach with light colors, asymmetrical designs with playful and witty themes. The introduction of this style had a greater impact on the society and affected not only the royalty and aristocrats but also the middle and lower classes. Rococo style in 1700s fashionDuring this era of fashion revolution, fashion designers gained more influence as more people scrambled to be clothed in this new style.

Magazines that emerged catered to the curiosity of the lower class as their attention was captured by the colorful illustrations and the latest news. This is the period that saw the development of panniers, a new silhouette for women worn under the skirts and extended sideways (Heinrich, 2014). The waists were constricted by corsets which were a big contract to the wide skirts that usually opened at the front showing an underskirt. The Watteau gown is one of the dresses worn during this period, with a loose back that became part of a full skirt with a tighter bodice.

The gowns were worn with short wide lapelled jackets. The introduction of a loose wide gown with a colorful silk sash around the waist was considered a shock for women as the natural figure was apparent and no corset was worn. However, this was seen by the women as a symbol of their increased liberation and they embraced the style (Heinrich, 2014). Heels worn by women became smaller by design with slimmer heels and pretty decorations as hair was worn higher contrary to the beginning where it was worn tight to the head, topped with lace handkerchiefs to contrast the wide panniers.

The towering tresses of hair were often curled and decorated with feathers, flowers, sculptures or figures. As the style progressed, hair was powdered with meal and flour causing a burst of outrage in the lower classes because of the subsequent rice in price of bread. Designs worn by men only had variations in the coat, waistcoat and the breeches, with the waistcoat being the most decorative piece. They were lavishly embroidered or having huge displays of patterned fabrics. The breeches were topped around the knees and white stockings worn underneath with large square buckled heeled shoes.

The coats on the other hand were often worn close to the body and lacked the earlier skirt-like design, worn with a more open air to showcase the elaborate waistcoat (Heinrich, 2014). Men also adapted to wearing white wigs and tricorne hats edged braids and ostrich feather decorations. The most popular hairstyle was of horizontal rolls of hair top of the ears. The colors that accessorized this style were mainly blue, green and pink with plenty of decorative details and accessories. Walls were covered with silk fabrics, mirrors, paintings and golden moldings.

Furniture was lightened and became a status symbol with comfort and versatility (Veszprémi, 2014). ConclusionThe Rococo era was defined by contrasting facts of extravagance and a simplicity quest with light colors and heavy materials being used. This revolutionary fashion trend however brought the rise of a diverse fashion era like none experienced before.ReferencesHeinrich, A. (2014). Cherubs or Putti? Gravemarkers Demonstrating Conspicuous Consumption and the Rococo Fashion in the Eighteenth Century.

International Journal Of Historical Archaeology, 18(1), 37-64Veszprémi, N. (2014). The Emptiness behind the Mask: The Second Rococo in Painting in Austria and Hungary. Art Bulletin, 96(4), 441-462