Paul and Joe vs Diane Von Furstenberg- western

Topic 8.1: Discuss the Different Themes Recurrent in Fashion: In this module I would like you pick one of the themes covered in the module and find recent collections from designers that follow that theme/look. You should find the work of at least two different designers for the chosen theme. Discuss the similarities, differences and any other interesting points that you might observe in their interpretation of the particular theme/look.

Neither of these design houses are particularly known for their western influences, but I noticed a few south western flavors weaving throughout the pas several seasons. Both houses are also influenced by other fashion concepts, (boho, preppy, etc) but I wanted to focus on the western, because I was pondering this recently. I personally don't see a big influence of western fashion in the urban environment of Richmond, but I was just at a party outside of town this weekend and everyone was wearing cowboy boots and hats. It's so interesting that the fashion is so different in such a geographically close proximity.
Both of these fashion houses mix the western in thoroughly, either by mixing western prints with modern cuts, or traditional cuts, dusters, vests, boot cut pants, a little Annie Oakley, a little bar wench, with elegant fabrics, or in some way mixing up the tex mex flavor so it doesn't read as a costume to wear to the dude ranch, but rather just a hint of caliente that evokes the wild, wild west.

Paul and Joe:
spring 2010