The Living Archive: The Story Behind Haute Couture
A publication rooted in the storytelling behind haute couture. This dissertation explored not just the surface narratives behind fashion houses’ inspirations for their prestigious runways, but also questioned why, how, when, and where these stories truly begin. The past has always shaped the future, and from my perspective, it always will. The Living Archive reveals why fashion holds such influence and how it has become one of the most impactful forms of art. From primary research to fashion theory, the imagery captured during my time at the Marie Antoinette Exhibition at London’s V&A Museum, alongside the insights gathered, deepened my understanding of how past histories, styles, and eras continue to shape fashion. Working independently throughout this project, I took on the roles of photographer, journalist, editor, and creative director, with strong organisational skills playing a key role in its success.
From my attendance at the Marie Antoinette Style Exhibition at the Victoria and Albert Museum, London, a strong development of primary research was delivered with secondary findings to further back this up. Working inside Adobe platforms such as Photoshop and InDesign, this book reflected that of a museum catalogue with seamless references to an editorial print. This was not just a dissertation piece; it was an interesting, eye-opening experience to further understand the depth of haute couture and how the past can profoundly impact the future. Storytelling is something I am very passionate about, but seeking the hidden truth of the who, what, why and when is more desirable than any couture collection. I want to understand the collection, not just view it. And that is exactly why this dissertation made such an impact on its readers, granting me a wonderful First grade.
