Welcome to the latest edition of Looks from Books, which aims to prove that
you can look smart, while still being book-smart, too. Fashion inspiration can
be found between the pages of your favorite stories, on well-designed book
covers, and in your favorite characters… if you read closely enough.
This week, we're taking inspiration from a recent film release to explore the
realm of fiction created by a truly iconic children's author, whose works are
enjoyed by the young, as well as young-at-heart: Hans Christian Andersen. Read
on to learn more about this author, as well as a few outfits based on his
memorable works.
Inside Cover
Hans Christian Andersen was a Danish author made famous for his iconic
children's stories, written in the 19th century.
From "The Little Mermaid" to "Thumbelina" to "The Princess and the Pea,"
Andersen's works are known worldwide for their characteristic whimsy, fantastic
elements, and inventive use of such narrative details as personification and
lessons of virtue. In fact, his works have been translated into more than 125
languages!
However, he was never exclusively an author for children; he was also known
as a prolific author of many genres, including travelogues, plays, poems, and
novels. Andersen was very popular with the literary set of Europe and was a
close friend of Charles Dickens, who shared with him a profound regard for the
plight of the lower classes.
A Fashionable Literacy
Andersen's iconic stories have provided fodder for many media adaptations,
from musicals and stage plays to feature films, including Disney's most recent
release, Frozen! (Psst-be sure to check out our post onfashion inspired by
Frozen.)
Frozen is loosely based off of Andersen's "The Snow Queen"… emphasis on the
term "loosely." The film's plot rejects the majority of the original components
of the classic children’s story, but solidly retains the heart of the
witch-delivered snow storm, as well as the story's distinctly Scandinavian
heritage. For instance, the film drew inspiration from the author’s snowy
landscape for the ice formations.
How to Add Andersen to Your Wardrobe
By integrating key elements from some of Andersen's most iconic works into
your own outfits, you, too, canadd some of the author's characteristic
inventiveness and fantasy to your own life!
"The Ugly Ducking"
The works of Hans Christian Andersen carry themes drawn from his own life,
and the most obvious of these is the well-known story of "The Ugly Duckling."
The unique tale of the odd-duck-out who, born from the wrong nest, grows up to
be a swan, is believed to be a personal biographical allegory of the author’s
own history,tracing his origin from the "duckyard" of Odense, Denmark, to his
own "swan-like" acclaim in Copenhagen.
Pay homage to Andersen's history by integrating animal motifs and updated
variations on barnyard basics into a look that's as whimsical and optimistic as
the author's own life story. A swan dress, fox earrings, cat flats, and a bird
scarf-plus a neutral nail polish in Butter London's "Hen Party"-provide a "wild" touch. Pair those pieces with a denim jacket and a classic leather bag in
a warm red hue for a look that’s grounded in comfort, but looks fit for the
city.
"The Red Shoes"
Hans Christian Andersen discussed a variety of subjects within his work:
class status, travel, and even fashion commentary. Well, kind of. This classic
tale offers a take on the age-old sins of vanity and pride, and ends with
penance and suffering resulting in transcendence into Heaven, as a girl dances
to death in a pair of flaming red shoes.
The ill-fated footwear was rumored to be inspired by an observed injustice:
it is said that Andersen's father was once tasked with making a pair of red silk
dancing shoes for a well-off woman's daughter, only to have the woman accuse him
of spoiling the fabric with his shoddy craftsmanship and refuse to pay him for
his work.
Emphasize the luxurious with baroque-inspired pieces, contrasted against
minimalist basics, for an ensemble that capitalizes on the juxtaposition of
vanity and simplicity. A minimalistic envelope clutch, basic black blazer, and
white blouse are matched with luxe elements like a faux fur scarf, a tight
brocade-print midi, and patent red shoes for a look that is equal parts
extravagant and down-to-earth.
"The Snow Queen"
Hans Christian Andersen's works have always been popular, especially with
today's wide realm of fairy tales and children's stories. From The Little
Mermaid to Thumbelina, variations abound, particularly in family-friendly film
iterations that appeal to the same audiences-and impart the same lessons-that the originals did so many centuries ago. Inspired by the most recent source
of inspiration from his works, the film Frozen, we have "The Snow Queen," which
has also inspired many other film, television, stage, and even ballet
adaptations throughout the years.
Celebrate the permeation of Hans Christian Andersen's works into world
culture, with a specific emphasis on the most recent source work, by adding some
high shine "frost" to your outfits with sleek silver and sequins, thus spreading
a little bit of "Snow Queen" throughout your wardrobe. From eyeliner to earrings
to sparkles and studs, there's plenty of the ice-cold silver shine to go around,
just like Andersen's iconic stories.
