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.
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
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.
Gothic Cathedral at Orvieto, Italy
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
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.
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.
Image Source Buzzfeed
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.
Image Source Vogue
The AW 13/14 Dolce & Gabbana runway was rich with gilded, jeweled printed mosaics of pre-renaissance art.
Image source Vogue
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.
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 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.
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.
Balmain Crochet White Dress
FRENDS x Dolce & Gabbana, Embellished Leather Headphones with Gold Crown
Annachich Jewelry 14k Gold Pyramidal Earrings
ALEXANDER MCQUEEN STAINED GLASS PRINT DE MANTA CLUTCH
Annachich Jewelry Revival Bracelet in 14K Gold & Silver
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