The relationship between music, fashion and expression has long been magnified. In March, Taylor Swift’s reign descended upon Singapore, resulting in a record-breaking six-day streak that drew fans from Southeast Asia and the world. The superstar’s 14 albums and gut-piercing lyrics haven’t just inspired a loyal legion of music lovers; among the flurry of excitement, there was a manifestation of outfits paying homage to the various eras of Swift’s career—resulting in a strong showing of sparkles, denim, fringe and friendship bracelets. Though currently the biggest pop culture showing of the worlds of music and fashion melding, the relationship between the two mediums has been intertwined for as long as we can remember. But where did the intersection begin?
The answer is as multifaceted as it is hard to singularly define. The beginnings of the relationship might be traced back to the 18th century. The 1820s ushered in romanticism, which was a pendulum swing from the rigidity and logic of the age of Enlightenment. This saw a newfound appreciation for music, art and design. Esteemed fashion historian Jane Ashelford explains this phenomenon in The Art of Dress: Clothes and Society, 15001914: “The Romantic movement stressed the creative power of the ‘shaping spirit of imagination’ and was motivated by a desire to escape from the chilly neoclassicalism of the turn of the century and the harsh realities of the Industrial Revolution. It manifested itself in dress by an enthusiasm for extrovert personal display and theatrical fashions which, in the 1820s and early 1830s, led to men wearing their clothes with a swaggering bravado and panache.”
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the April 2024 edition of Vogue Singapore.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
YES, AYO!
Is Ayo Edebiri the most beloved new face in Hollywood? Alessandra Codinha meets the suddenly everywhere actor, comedian, writer, fashion darling... and soon-to-be director too?
The POET
After five years spent transforming the Singapore Writers Festival from its helm, poet, educator and former festival director Pooja Nansi is embarking on her next chapter. The title? Whatever her soul craves.
Globe TROTTER
Newly minted Tumi ambassador Mun Ka-young perfectly embodies the brand's new Asra collection.
A PERFECT 10
The hunt for sipping perfection ends with Belvedere 10, a single-estate rye vodka that takes the meaning of luxury to greater heights.
Harnessing THE WIND
How a trip to South Africa with & Beyond has changed the way I look at travel.
KIWI Beauty
There are numerous reasons why New Zealand should be your destination to visit, but for now Rosewood's trio of luxury lodges comes up on top.
Porto PORTUGAL
Lisbon's little sister may not be as reputed as the country's capital, but it certainly holds its weight with the cool cats in its stunning coastlines, elegant architecture, design-worthy hotels and a buzzing restaurant scene.
Edinburgh.SCOTLAND
Look past its reputation as a college town and you'll find a robust city with a creative soul, framed by gorgeous natural landscapes straight out of a painting.
Galle.SRILANKA
This postcard-worthy city on Sri Lanka's southern coast is a cauldron of grand colonial architecture, stunning views, delicious food and warm local culture-with a growing artist community to watch.
THROWN for ALOOP
Ernest Hemingway compared the influence and effects of Paris to a moveable feast. Well, how about a moveable, transformable feast for the eyes?