Happy New Year! School year, of course. Hopefully you have all had a wonderful break and are refreshed for another exciting term. For those of you entering Osgoode’s halls for the first time, welcome and thank you for picking up the very first 2013/2014 Obiter issue.
The Game of Thrones series seems to have captivated the entire globe. During my travels this summer, I encountered GoT fans from all over the world; even Osgoode chose to adopt this theme for Orientation week. Therefore, it comes as no surprise that the hit drama of the season became a strong focal point for the fashion world as well. Many top designers have used the show’s female leads as inspirations for the centerpieces of their fall collection. The audience could often readily tell which personality the outfits represent and I am here to share some of the most characteristic and astonishing pieces of this year’s fall runway. Maybe you will even find yourself particularly drawn to one influence; I certainly do.
Fit for a Queen
For me, the word “Queen”, when associated with GoT, immediately conjures the image of Cersei Lannister. She depicts herself as a willful, powerful and ambitious woman and her wardrobe certainly matches that boldness. Cersei is predominantly clothed in rich, royal colors such as gold and red which never fail to complement her cunning personality. This strong presence and confidence was especially noted on Marchesa and Zuhair Murad’s runways. Another signature of this Queen’s fashion is the intricacy of her dresses, which have been adopted by Dolce & Gabbana in its covetable shoe collection. The costumes of the dangerously beautiful Cersei never fails to astonish me; I am forever awed by the unapologetic attitude that they seem to portray. Bright colors and rigid fabrics can be the perfect answer when you’re feeling like you need a boost.
A Tale of Contradiction
In many ways, Daenerys Targaryen is just as strong, if not stronger, a female lead as Cersei. However, their wardrobes differ dramatically. While Cersei clothes herself in luxurious shades and fabrics, the costumes of Daenerys are meeker and much softer. Nevertheless, they still contain an edge, exemplified by the hard armour and jewels that correspond with her dragons and the ability to rule ruthlessly. This polarity in style has captured the attention of many astute gown designers, such as Blanka Matragi and Terani Couture. As can be seen in the pictures, the dresses are extremely fluid yet there is an unfaltering hardness that completes them. I like this combination for its transferability to everyday fashion. Next time you pick up a soft blouse, head over to the accessories section and find a contradictory yet fitting necklace.
The Devil is in the Cut
Despite her later introduction, the stunning and mysterious Margaery Tyrell has captured the hearts of many and emerged as a dominant influence for the fashion world. Like Daenerys, Margaery’s dresses are easy and flowing, but there is an obvious element of sexiness that is not as dominant in the former lead’s costumes. The cuts of Margaery’s pieces are daring and invite intrigue and curiosity so it is no wonder that, coupled with her charitable heart, she has become an adoration of the locals in the kingdom. Renowned gown designers Tony Ward and Mireille Dagher have brilliantly adopted these characteristics in their collection. The beauty of this style is in its subtlety. It is revealing but neither flaunting nor tasteless. To achieve this balance in everyday fashion, look for figure-hugging pieces lined with translucent fabrics, such as lace, silk, rayon, nylon, etc.
A Stark Contrast
When speaking of strong female personalities, Arya Stark is one that cannot be overlooked. Her wardrobe is full of practical and boxy pieces that complement her fearless attitude. This boyish style was readily seen in Jean Paul Gaultier’s fall/winter collection. The calculated rip in the sleeve (see picture) aptly represents the harshness of war and strife. As can be seen, leather remains to be a signature piece for this season (as it has been the last two years) – all the more reason to invest in a good quality jacket! For other leather pieces, such as tops and trousers, H&M and American Apparel offer a variety of choices at an affordable price.
Bring Out the Inner Lady
Sansa Stark is a lady. Her feminine grace is exemplified by her movements, speech, and most certainly by her demure wardrobe. Her conservative and underwhelming style provides a perfect juxtaposition to that of the other characters. But even without the extravagant fabrics and jewels, Sansa’s beauty is indisputable and shines above many. Designers Zuhair Murad and Jenny Packham have incorporated this stunning simplicity in their current collection. This look is easy to achieve in daily life as it mainly requires plainness, but that should be distinguished from dullness. In order to maintain a sense of fashion, pair the outfit with classy and modest accessories.
There you have it Ozzies: how Game of Thrones has influenced fashionistas all over the world. The characters highlighted here are vastly different and maybe you’ll identify with one, a couple, or all of them. In that case, I hope these designers have inspired some new or fresh ways of expressing your style.