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1990s
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Romanticism and historical revival

Historical dress became material for new stories on the 1990s runway. Corsetry, drape and altered proportions allowed designers to revisit the past without simply reproducing it.

Reworked historical silhouettesCorsetry, drape and laceNarrative and theatricality

About Romanticism and historical revival

Romanticism and historical revival offered a theatrical alternative to 1990s minimalism. Designers reworked corsets, sweeping skirts, lace and earlier cutting techniques rather than reproducing period costume. Vivienne Westwood transformed eighteenth-century dress through asymmetry and exaggerated proportions; John Galliano returned to the fluid lines of the 1920s and 1930s. Alexander McQueen used historical narratives to explore identity and conflict. These approaches shared an engagement with the past, while differing in mood, politics and construction.

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V&A: Vivienne Westwood, a taste for the pastThe Met: John Galliano evening dress, 1999The Met: Alexander McQueen, Savage BeautyHighland Rape ensembles — exhibition view — original sourceHighland Rape ensembles — exhibition view — photograph and reuse terms
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