The drowning “Ophelia” (bottom row, first two paintings) painted by John Everett Millais (one of the founders of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood) may have been what inspired Antonio Marras for his ss08 collection this week, shown in Milan, however upon further search on Millais paintings, I felt some similarities to Prada’s painted dresses too (first row, last three pics). Fashion critiques said Prada’s collection was very Art Nuveau because of the flow-y lines and flower patterns, however I think Ant Nuveau is much, much more decorative and not that dreamy and whimsical, like some Prada looks were. Even the hairstyle seems to be inspired from Millais paintings: natural, textured, almost messy, soft, long hair were “it” at a lot of collections in Milan. Some even had messy buns, that were on the edge of pretty towards a more Amy Winehouse inspired aesthetic.

How cute is the dress on the woman in the second painting from top?

Women were always fancy and thank God for the social role painting had (of documenting people and beauty). Too bad they didn’t have music videos in the 1820’s, I’m sure they would have looked much more prettier that the 80’s ones.