Fashion and architecture are closely related. Innovative designs and materials often find themselves referenced in both creative fields. Below are four dresses that drew inspiration from architecture around the world.
Marchesa
Dress: Marchesa ready to wear Fall 2008 collection
Designer or creative director: Georgina Chapman
Inspiration: The Kawasaki Daishi Buddhist temple in Kawasaki, Japan.
Architect: The most notable architect who worked on the temple is Kiyonori Kikutake.
Year Built: Kikutake worked on the building’s mid 20th century post World War Two restoration.
Gareth Pugh
Dress: Gareth Pugh Spring 2009
Designer or creative director: Gareth Pugh
Inspiration: Hearst Building in New York City
Architect: Joseph Urban and Norman Foster (of Foster and Partners)
Year Built: The original building was built in 1928 By Joseph Urban to serve as the headquarters of the Hearst Corporation. The Hearst Tower was built in 2006 as a modern extension to the building. The Tower sits directly above the original building and was intentionally designed to respect and integrate with the building’s historic design.
Dolce and Gabbana
Dress: Dolce and Gabbana spring summer 2012
Designer or creative director: Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana
Inspiration: The Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France
Architect: Maurice de Sully
Year Built: The construction of the Notre Dame cathedral took over 180 years to complete. Construction began in 1163 under the supervision of the Bishop of Paris, Maurice de Sully, and was only completed in 1345. After the building fell into terrible disrepair, French architect Eugène Viollet-le-Duc led the major restoration effort in the 19th century. More recently the cathedral went under more restoration following the 2019 fire.
Laura Biagiotti
Dress: Laura Biagiotti Spring 2012
Designer or creative director: Gianni Biagiotti
Inspiration: The Leaning Tower of Pisa in Tuscany, Italy
Architect: Bonanno Pisano
Year Built: The Leaning Tower of Pisa is a part of the cathedral complex in Tuscany, Italy. Originally designed by sculptor Bonanno Pisano, the project took many years to complete and was worked on by other architects including Giovanni di Simone and Tommaso di Andrea Pisano. The maintenance of the tower is an ongoing architectural feat as the tower continues to tilt.
