Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Fancy Tights

 The beginning of summer is a wonderful time where the weather gets warmer and the days become longer.  It's time to bring out the bikinis and beach towels, but unfortunately, also time to box up the winter layers.  I have to say goodbye to my cold weather friends - the tights (if only for a season). 

At the turn of the century women had some amazing looking silk stockings that had incredible embroideries and lace inlays like the ones below.


Evening Stockings from Around 1903

It's interesting to see that there are similar styles on the market today.  Tights with spirals designs and argyle patterns are being sold by some of fashion's big names.  The material and processes have changed over time, but the inspiration is still surprisingly similar.

Kate Spade Spiral Stripe Tights
American Apparel Argyle Tights

One dramatic change is the point of interest is on the stockings.  In the early 1900s the details were all at the bottom of the leg since that is the only thing that might peak out under a skirt.  At the time it was considered very sexy to reveal even an ankle.

Now we see styles like the one below where the detail is high on the thigh because that is the new sexy.  Today, this is what might peak out from under a skirt and get some attention.

Wolford Spring Leaf Tights



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