A writer should write with his eyes and a painter paint with his ears.
Gertrude SteinRead
Ten years before its time, a fashion is indecent; ten years after, it is hideous; but a century after, it is romantic.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Fashion is often misunderstood in its own time, with perceptions changing dramatically across generations.
James Laver's quote highlights the evolving nature of fashion and how societal perceptions are influenced by the passage of time. He suggests that what is deemed unacceptable or unattractive in the current moment can be viewed as romantic and appealing in the distant future, illustrating the subjective and often cyclical nature of aesthetic values in art and culture.
Themes
FashionTimePerceptionArtAesthetics
In practice
Example use cases
Use this quote to illustrate how fashion trends return over time when discussing a new collection.
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