The Tudor-trend that has influenced designers for years dominated the runways at this spring's fashion weeks, according to The New York Times.
This trend has become more popular after films and television shows like "The Other Boleyn Girl, "The Duchess" and "The Tudors" made the distant past somehow chic. Designers cast this antique trend in a modern light. The New York Times described John Galliano's Henry VIII-inspired line last year as a "collection to the lusty royal family."
William Tempest, whose fall 2009 collection premiered at London Fashion Week, captured the essence of the Tudor style. He balanced it with futuristic tailoring, according to Grazia magazine. "I've always really loved that period in history," Tempest told a Grazia reporter backstage before the show.
Clique magazine praised the designer for details such as "sculpted shoulders" and "further development of his use of color." These elements came together in the final gown - "a strapless sharply pleated and folded crinoline gown splashed with a print in fuchsia, purple, black and red," described in the Clique article.
The print and clean silhouette are very modern while harkening back to 17th-century royalty. Henry VIII made an appearance as part of a collage print on the back of the jackets in the line, according to the British newspaper Telegraph.
The 22-year-old recent graduate of London College of Fashion is making a name for himself. He premiered his Tudor-inspired designs at the Fashion Fringe at Covent Garden, which put him on the fashion industry's radar, according to ElleUK.com.
Donatella Versace was one of the panelists who chose Tempest to show his designs at the prestigious event. Despite his recent entry into the fashion world, avid fashion follower and actress Emma Watson chose Tempest's show as her only London Fashion Week appearance, Elle UK reported.
This is no surprise considering the actress wore one of Tempest's designs to an event and "thrust him into the limelight," according to Grazia magazine. Tempest wants everyday women to wear his clothes as well. He told Elle UK "at the end of the day I want women to buy my clothes, so I make sure every detail is 100 percent perfection."
The Tudor look isn't limited to apparel. Nicole Miller has created a line of jewelry that takes a cue from this growing trend. These reasonably priced pieces are gold, ornate, and look like they were found in a jewelry box in Hampton Court.
Tempest joins the ranks of more established designers, like Christian Lacroix, who also included heavy chains reminiscent of Henry VIII's court. Chanel incorporated ruffles on the neck and sleeves of shirts and jackets. Dolce & Gabbana's line included bodiced tanks adorned with jewels in rich colors.
While you may not be holding court anytime soon, the extravagance of Henry VIII's style is perfect, and will keep you looking tastefully royal.
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