Those who shape fashion trends have always been inspired by other highly visual mediums like art and film. But for now, at least, fashion seems to be having a little bit of a literary moment.
Hot designer of the moment Jason Wu just launched an eyewear collection with pieces inspired by literary heroines like Elizabeth Bennet (from Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice) and Jane Eyre (from Charlotte Bronte's novel of the same name).
American indie label Tucker's new collection is a homage to French writer Marguerite Duras, while American luxe label Rodarte has launched a line of textiles inspired by poets like E.E. Cummings, John Keats and W. H. Auden.
To celebrate literature's new starring role in fashion, we have recreated moments from famous novels using the latest pre-fall offerings.
If you are inspired to shop for books as well as clothes after this, check out Orchard Central's Book Swop event this weekend.
LOLITA, 1955, BY VLADIMIR NABOKOV
The paradoxical sultry innocence of this controversial novel's titular heroine has bled into the style of countless nubile pop culture nymphets. Strike the sultry note with animal-print frocks and temper that with demure touches like knee-high socks.
(On her) Dress, $3,270, from Gucci; socks and heels, prices unavailable, from Christian Dior; sunglasses, $580, from Louis Vuitton; Ada bag, $2,790, from Loewe (from late next month)
(On him) Jacket, shirt, pants and tie, prices unavailable, all from Dunhill; glasses, from model
Majestique sofa, $13,904, from Air
GREAT EXPECTATIONS, 1860, BY CHARLES DICKENS
This Victorian classic is notable for the character of Miss Havisham, a wealthy spinster who wanders around in a tattered wedding dress in her mansion where the clocks are stopped at 20 minutes to nine - the exact time she was dumped on her wedding day. Pre-fall's heavy use of lace is perfect for a dash of her ravaged eccentricity.
Dress, price unavailable, from Burberry; ring, $109, multi-chain necklace, $490, and drop necklace, $590, all from BLVD; chair, $1,312, and vanity stand, $1,177, from Air
THE HOUSE OF MIRTH, 1905, BY EDITH WHARTON
Anna Karenina throws herself in the path of an oncoming train and Madame Bovary swallows arsenic - pretty gruesome ways to go. Wharton deliberately chose to kill off her heroine, disgraced society belle Lily Bart, with an overdose of a sleeping draught so that she could remain beautiful even in death. Pre-fall's sleek gowns are full of Whartonesque old-world glamour, but tragic endings are entirely optional.
Black long dress, $2,995, from Fendi; heels, from Yves St Laurent; clutch with chain and cuff, $1,609, from BLVD; bed, $3,103, from Air
STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE, 1886, BY ROBERT LOUIS STEVENSON
Boys who want to be both naughty and nice can channel the schizophrenic spirit of this gothic classic by alternating between pre-fall's sharp, smart suits and bad-boy bomber jackets.
Grey jacket, maroon blouson jacket, knit top and pants, prices unavailable, all from Louis Vuitton; reflect mirror, $2,218, from Air; glasses, from model
JANE EYRE, 1847, BY CHARLOTTE BRONTE
The titular governess of this novel is one of the famous plain-Janes-made-good of all time. Pre-fall's minimalist shapes and muted hues would suit her austere taste to a T, and would look pretty good on her moody paramour Mr Rochester as well.
(On her) Dark ink wool and cotton dress, $2,920, from Bottega Venetta; purple shawl, price unavailable, from Louis Vuitton; camouflage print overcoat (hung on chair) and heels, prices unavailable, both from Prada.
(On him) Black trench coat, knit shirt and pants, prices unavailable, all from Louis Vuitton
Chair, $956, and table, $2,536, both from Air
THE GREAT GATSBY, 1925, BY F. SCOTT FITZGERALD
The material excesses and moral turpitude of the roaring Twenties got too much for all the characters involved in this American classic in the end. But before things spun out of control, there were some magnificent parties. Try on the era's flapper chic with pre-fall's breezy drop-waist frocks.
Lace dress, price unavailable, from Christian Dior; feathered headband, $289, from BLVD; multi-strand faux pearl necklace, $430, and long faux-pearl necklace, $260, both from Mimco
>> Photo gallery of the outfits
This article was first published in Urban, The Straits Times.
