Module 2: Fashion History & Contextual Studies

Welcome to Module 2 of our Fashion Design course! Here, you'll explore the entire history of fashion, studying the key figures and fashion designers who drove change, tracing its evolution from early European courts to modern global phenomena. We provide the contextual studies needed to understand the powerful forces that shape design.

Why This Module Matters

Understanding the historical and social context of fashion is crucial for developing innovative, relevant, and responsible contemporary designs.

• Identify how social and economic factors affect fashion across key periods.
• Trace the evolution of style from the 17th century to the present day.
• Familiarise yourself with the work of early icons and modern innovators.
• Gain inspiration from past trends to inform your future collections.

What You'll Learn

• Historical Periods
  Explore key moments, including Victorian era fashion, the Roaring Twenties, and the influence of post-WWII culture.
• Design Genesis
  Understand the genesis of couture and the function of designers in pivotal moments.
• Pivotal Icons
  Study influential figures from Louis XIV to Paul Poiret, including his specific works like evening coats, and current designers like Iris van Herpen.
• Future-Focused Concepts
  Explore contemporary issues like the dominance of athleisure and sustainable fashion trends in the industry.

What You'll Do

• Explore Context
  Evaluate the social, economic, and political factors that influenced fashion in specific decades.
• Research Icons
  Investigate the work of a key figure, from a historical couturier to a pioneer of smart fabrics in fashion.
• Define Eras
  Interpret and define the key styles, silhouettes, and trends associated with each major historical period.
• Trace Evolution
  Map the influence of major cultural drivers, including artistic movements (Art Nouveau), economic shifts (the Industrial Revolution), Hollywood, and the Japanese influence on modern apparel.

Module Content

Module 2 covers everything you need to trace the evolution of style:

• Introduction: What Is Fashion?
• What Is High Fashion?
• Early Fashion Icons (Louis XIV, Queen Elizabeth I, Marie Antoinette)
• Fashion and the Industrial Revolution
• Victorian Era Fashion (1837-1901)
• The Genesis of Couture
• Decade-by-Decade Analysis (1900s through 1970s)
• 1980s to Present Day: The Designer Decades and Globalisation
• Current Designers on the Conceptual Edge
• The Dominance of Athleisure
• Sustainable Fashion and Climate Change
• Smart Fabrics: Designing the Future
• Conclusion: Future Fashion

Module Outcomes

By completing Module 2, you will:

• Understand how social and political factors affect fashion across centuries.
• Identify the key designers and movements from the House of Worth to McQueen.
• Recognise the historical roots of modern trends, including the genesis of couture.
• Appreciate the history of design and its global evolution.

Guidance Every Step of the Way

As with every stage of your learning, our expert fashion design tutors will guide you through Module 2 with passion and insight. They'll help you make sense of complex historical details, connect past social trends to present styles, and show you how to apply cultural influences to develop contemporary design ideas for your own collections.