Forever Chic: The Enduring Influence of Victorian Accessories
*Article from Lexington Line’s Autumn/Winter 2021 Issue, pages 68-69
Check out the full issue here.
The Victorian era has been the inspiration for some of the most coveted designer pieces, such as the Vivienne Westwood pearl choker, Alexander McQueen’s corsets, and some of Betsey Johnson’s vintage jewelry and handbags. Fashion is forever, and the accessories from the Victorian era are undoubtedly timeless. Here are two up-and-coming fashion business personalities on how Victorian accessories influence their work.
Heather Horror
Heather Horror is a fashion designer who specializes in latex couture. She has an impressive resume, having worked with celebrities like Beyoncé and Lil Nas X. Horror emulates the dark and stylish aspects of Victorian goth with her luxury latex and oddities brand, Deathstetics. She strives to achieve the aesthetic of “necrophiliac at a funeral” and designs her pieces for any occasion. She says, “our decadent draping’s can be worn anywhere: from the vampire ball to the club to your music video shoot and more.”
Why does the Victorian era appeal to you when creating your signature latex pieces?
Everything just feels so timeless and luxurious. The more extravagant the clothing, the higher the class. Deathstetics is a luxury latex line, so that adds to our cohesive branding. Everything from the architecture, fashion, literature—it's all so sophisticated and inspiring. All of the shapes, silhouettes, textures—aesthetically pleasing and well made. A time before mass production, which relates specifically to my brand as well, as each garment is made 100% custom by hand. Victorian fashion has such a variety of styles and attributes, so it's so easy to integrate into a lot of things. And then, of course, our line correlates with the mourning traditions.
Do you have a favorite accessory from the Victorian era?
I love all of it, but I have to say I have always been partial to corsets! They give you an incredible shape, and they are beneficial for keeping proper posture to prevent back problems...sexy and sensible? Yes, please!
My favorite piece from your brand is the Entombed - Latex Dress. I love the coffin shape cutout and the puffy sleeves!
Thank you! I have to say that is my favorite piece from my line as well! That design was the first one I came up with and it was what got me most excited about creating my brand and seeing what I could do with it.
I see on your website you have done freelance fabricating outfits for personalities such as Cardi B, Lil Nas X, Megan Thee Stallion, Miley Cyrus, Nicki Minaj, and Beyoncé. Tell me about some of these experiences.
Those experiences were always insanely hectic, but these were very fun pieces to make. Those projects all had a harsh deadline, so it doesn't leave a lot of time to get the garments made. But seeing the result always made it worth it and leaves you feeling very proud of the work you put out there. The most notable experience for me was working with Lil Nas X. I had the opportunity to be on set for the “Rodeo” music video. He was such a fun and pleasant personality to be around. He was very charismatic and made the set feel like everyone was just hanging out and having fun.
Are you able to tell me about any new pieces you have coming out? What would you like to create in the future?
I have a custom piece I made for a client that I am about to release, and I'm very excited about that—I think it is my best piece yet. I also have my next collection in the works, which I am equally as excited about! Some of my next designs will be available very soon. The weekend of October 23-24 I was invited to the Oddities Flea Market as a vendor, and for this event, I debuted our newest gown and a collar. The pieces in my next collection will involve more accessories, for those who aren’t ready to make the full commitment to latex yet, or just want to accentuate their existing wardrobe.
CHloË Felopulos
Chloë Felopulos is an influencer and fashion icon who continuously provides inspo for how to wear whatever you want and whatever you like. In only a few months, she has gained over 20,000 followers on Instagram and over 7,000 subscribers on YouTube. At the age of 22, this more-is-more type of style icon has already worked with brands such as Nasty Gal and Skims. Chloë has created some outrageous-yet-genius looks, with the help of secondhand pieces as well as an eye for “what goes.”
How does the Victorian era appeal to you when you put together an outfit?
I love the juxtaposition between wearing an outfit or statement piece reminiscent of the Victorian era and then going about my life on, say, a normal Tuesday. It's so fun to take on a decade, maybe even a different persona, and intermingle them with who you are and the life you lead. The Victorian era X everyday life is a collab I will always support.
What is your favorite Victorian era accessory?
I love my string of pearls that are so cute to wrap and layer with, knot, or load on with other accessories! I also JUST bought this fur collar with little drop jewels that I cannot wait to style. I don't know if it is technically Victorian, but I think it will look cool styled with the era in mind.
Is there an outfit you would wear again that has a piece inspired by the Victorian era?
Not to be too literal...but I would wear my Marie Antoinette wig with...anything.
Vivienne Westwood is one designer that comes to mind when I think of Victorian fashion, gothic romance, and of course, punk fashion. Is there a Vivienne Westwood piece on your wish list?
I am completely obsessed with Vivienne Westwood. I'd like to say anything and everything Vivienne Westwood is technically on my wish list. BUT to name a few, starting with a custom wedding dress, I would also love anything from her RTW Fall 1995 collection, the British flag gown showcased in her capsule collection in celebration of the Queen's Diamond Jubilee OR the heel/sock combo shown on her Spring 2012 runway in Paris (any and ALL).
Can you give me your opinion on why and how accessories are important to elevating an outfit?
I’ve said this a bunch on my YouTube channel, but I truly believe accessories make or break a look. They often determine if a moment becomes a MOMENT or not. Whether it’s on the runway, the red carpet, or within the streets of New York, a look is not a look without its accompanying accessories. It doesn't have to be much. Keeping things minimal is sometimes key, but I believe accessories are the key to balance and making sure you're not getting lost in or “worn by” your outfit. They are also a great way to personalize an outfit and add your spin onto things—I am obsessed!