Page 14 - Twice-Told April 2018

Page 14 Twice-Told Tale

The British Are Coming

By Sydney Vaughan

W looking towards international cities for style inspiration and current trends, Paris and Milan are typically the first to come to mind. That being said, the streets of Lon-
hen
don have brought the United States countless fashion subcultures that have defined eras and still persist today. British pop culture has certainly spearheaded the fashion scene for
decades with their iconic music groups, royalty, and film industry. The longevity of its influence on American fashion has been proven time and again in ways that most do not
even realize. Nearly everyone in America is able to find a hint of London flair within their own closets, and it does not look like this trend will be slowing down any time soon.
(Left) It is not uncom-
mon for the mention of
England to immediately
evoke thoughts of the
royal family. For centu-
ries, the world has
looked to them for the
latest in fashion, from
Queen Victoria’s influ-
ence on conservative
style to Kate Middleton’s
widely copied wedding
dress. This particular
look was strongly influ-
enced by Princess Diana,
an international fashion
icon throughout the 80s
and 90s. Princess Diana
was known for her ele-
gant gowns, and this slip-
like version in a luxurious
silk perfectly mimics the
minimalistic style of the
90s without compromis-
ing the princess’s trade-
mark gracefulness. The
pastels on both the
buckled velvet shoes and (Above) England as a whole has produced some of the best bands, musicians, and
the silky dress are a singers that the world has ever seen. The mid 70s brought about the birth of garage
reflection of both Di- rock that focused on using DIY methods to produce uncensored and independent
ana’s notable inclination music. Sex Pistols and The Clash are just a few alum of London’s punk music scene;
towards a refreshing one that quickly transpired into a lifestyle rather than a mere music genre. Along
spring color palette and with the English punk wave came outlandish fashion trends that were meant to im-
her bright personality. pose shock value and differentiate members of the punk scene from the rest. Red
All photos by Sydney and black dominated the color palette, and this outfit displays the commonly seen
Vaughan. combination of black leather and plaid print. A tied band tee finishes off the look.

(Left) British cinema
has always had its
gems, and in recent
years, it seems that
the Paddington series
has become an Ameri-
can favorite. Stealing
the hearts of people
of all ages, Paddington
Bear has become a
recognizable charac-
ter, not only by name,
but also by style.
American celebrities
such as Taylor Swift
have admittedly taken
fashion inspiration
from the bear, and it’s
not hard to see why.
The character’s clas-
sic style is timeless
and can easily be rec-
reated in a personal-
ized fashion. In this
look, Paddington’s blue
trench coat was re-
placed by a more casu-
al denim coat and lay-
ered over a matching
blue shift dress. Pad-
dington’s signature red
(Above) British fashion icon, Twiggy, set the standard for style throughout hat inspired the addi-
the 60s. The fashion model was known for her iconic look, with a thin build, tion of this rust-
accentuated lower lashes, a trendy pixie cut, and of course, her clothes. colored newsboy cap,
Twiggy embodied the mod style of the 1960s, characterized by printed shift and a vintage clutch
dresses and skirts, bright colors, and classic cuts. For this outfit, a mini- finishes off the look
skirt in a jewel-toned plaid pattern is paired with a simple yet classic knit as a take on Padding-
turtleneck. A faux fur pillbox hat and retro T.V. purse add the finishing ton’s iconic briefcase.
touches to a totally Twiggy ensemble.