Architecture + Interiors Outfit Ideas

How to Get Inspired by Gothic Architecture

Becky Constantinides

Designer & metalsmith; maker of jewelry inspired by architecture; supporter of women in the arts; passionate about ethical manufacturing and sustainability

We love looking to architecture for inspiration.

To inspire our Skyscraper collection of luxury designer jewelry, we turned to the Gothic Revival Woolworth Building in New York City. Beyond fueling the inspiration for Skyscraper, we've spotted Gothic architectural influences in everything from interior design to runway fashion. In this article we'll cover the basic elements of Gothic and Gothic Revival architecture and their influence in modern fashion and jewelry design.

What is Gothic Architecture?

Gothic architecture originated in 12th-century France and lasted into the 16th century as a predecessor to the Renaissance.

The Gothic style can be characterized by the introduction of the pointed arch, the flying buttress, and the ribbed vault ceiling. Clockwise below

Gothic Architecture Pointed Arches, Flying Buttresses, Ribbed Vault // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design!

These structural advancements revolutionized interior spaces. The important buildings of the Gothic period got characteristically taller and airier.

Interior of a gothic church by Émile Antoine François Herson

The Gothic style also introduced an abundance of uniquely ornate decorative elements to architecture. Gargoyles, interior and exterior sculptural decoration, brightly colored murals, stained glass windows, and repetative geometric designs were used to tell stories and relay theological messages.

The result was a period of architecture richly decorated and filled with inspiration.

Annachich luxury designer jewelry at Milan's Duomo, a classic Gothic cathedral // Click through for more ways to get inspired by Gothic architecture!

Gothic Cathedral at Orvieto, Italy

Gothic Art Stained Glass and Gold Triptych // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design!

Examples of Gothic cathedral art
L: Stained Glass Window: Scenes from the Legend of Saint Vincent of Saragossa and the History of His Relic, 1245–47 via Met Museum
R: Gentile da Fabriano Adoration of the Magi Triptych

Gothic Architectural Influences in Modern Fashion Design

The couture runways are often teeming with references to historic art and architecture. The Gothic period has been re-imagined by many designers in the current sphere of high fashion.

Fashion Inspired by The Pointed Arch

On the Jean Paul Gaultier runway in 2009, we see a clear reference to a pointed cathedral arch.

Image Source Vogue

Francine Frohlich used a Gothic cathedral from a nightmare she had for the inspiration behind this architectural dress. The cathedral-inspired collection was shown at Parsons's annual benefit fashion show in 2013.
Francine Frohlich Gothic Cathedral Dress // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design!
Image Source Buzzfeed

Fashion Inspired by The Ribbed Vault

We're gaga for this intricately crocheted design remenescant of the ribbed vault pattern in a Gothic cathedral. This long sleeve midi dress is from the Balmain Resort 2016 collection.

Gothic Architectural Influence in Balmain Resort 2016 Collection on Vogue // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design! Image Source Vogue

Fashion Inspired by Gothic Cathedral Art

The AW 13/14 Dolce & Gabbana runway was rich with gilded, jeweled printed mosaics of pre-renaissance art.

Gothic Inspiration in Dolce and Gabbaba AW 13/14 RTW Runway Show // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design!

Gothic Inspiration in Dolce and Gabbaba AW 13/14 RTW Runway Show // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design!
Image source Vogue

20th Century Gothic Revival in Architecture

Taking a look farther back to the early 20th century, we can see a renewed interest in Gothic architecture classified as Neo-Gothic or Gothic Revival. Buttresses, gargoyles, pinnacles and other Gothic decorative elements were introduced to skyscrapers and universities from the turn of the century through the 1930s.

Gothic Revival Woolworth Building in NYC | Inspiration for Annachich Jewelery's Skyscraper collection of architectural jewelry

The quintessentially Neo-Gothic New York City Woolworth Building was built in 1913. It was the tallest building in the world until 1930. Inside this landmark skyscraper, the lobby is abundantly decorated with ornate pointed arches, colorful mosaics and a classically Gothic vaulted ceiling.

Woolworth Building Neo-Gothic Interior Architecture // Click through for more on Gothic architecture and it's influence on modern fashion and jewelry design!
Woolworth Building Lobby via New York Times

At Annachich Jewelry, we were drawn to the Woolworth Building’s 3000 exterior windows capped with a repetative Gothic Revival pointed arch design. To design our Skyscraper collection, we simplified the window’s shapes and transformed them into an ornate, minimal pattern. Our Revival Bracelets and Revival necklace modernize the intricate architectural style into something that is wearable and fresh. Seen below.

See the full Skyscraper Collection.

How to Get the Look

For an architecturally inspired look that is undeniably chic, we recommend this gorgeous Balmain crocheted dress. And how insanely cool and totally luxe are these jeweled crown headphones by Dolce & Gabbana?!

Our ornate, minimal Revival Bracelet and Pyramidal Earrings in 14k gold are a timeless way to incorporate Gothic architectural influences into your everyday.

How to Get Inspired by Gothic Architecture | Modern Fashion & Jewelry Design