Titanic: The Fashion

Titanic was sort of an in between age for fashion. It was in between the Victorian era and the roaring twenties but the oversized skirts and hats suggest that it was closer to the former than the latter. It was fashion BC- Before Chanel and many other designers that promoted practicality in a chic way. In First Class people tended to display their wealth through the size of their outfits and the ornateness of fabrics and the richness of jewels. After all, one must fit in with one's surroundings and the First Class part of Titanic was probably one of the most opulent places on Earth to be at the time. The Titanic has been dramatised over and over again by the media and there is a recurring theme of lace, silks and jewels in the First Class passenger's attire. However, recently, First Class menswear has become speculated in women's fashion. Feminine takes on the tuxedo have taken to the runway alongside more androgynous looks. Fortunately, feminism has developed just as much as fashion has done in the last hundred years.

Nowadays we probably dress more like Second or Third Class did then. Less is now more. The "First Class" of today no longer dress up in gowns and enormous hats but opt for a more subtle look in designer labels. After all, subtlety is much more classy. Waistcoats, peter pan collars and satchels would have been shunned by 1912's aristocracy but today they are celebrated by some of the world's most stylish (and wealthy) people.

Soon after Titanic, shorter lengths would become introduced. The Jazz age would begin and everything would be more acceptable. Classes would mix more freely as would races. Especially in New York City, the place where over 1,500 Titanic passengers never got to see in all its glittering 1920s glory.