It is not superficial to enjoy fashion. With often-ignored roots in history and art, it has shaped cultures for centuries. Fashion is the visual representation of a generation’s culture – poodle skirts in the1950s exemplified the spirit of the carefree post-World War II life, while the rebellious ’60s and ’70s brought about a disheveled-looking youth.

Still relevant today are the seemingly ridiculous fashion mistakes of years past: Older trends still hold a heavy influence on the most prestigious fashion magazines, and, ultimately, the way we dress. Take, for instance, Audrey Hepburn, a woman who, despite being at her peak 40 years ago, is still considered a major style icon. Trends have come and gone, but her style and grace is still coveted and copied incessantly. What keeps women today looking chic is their ability to modernize and reinterpret past looks.

This Friday, Sofia Coppola’s “Marie Antoinette” makes its long-awaited debut in theaters. In this portrayal of the young queen’s life, Coppola has focused on creating a visually driven film that exhibits Marie Antoinette’s love for opulence and, most notably, fashion.

The 1770s may seem like a long time ago, but fashion from that era is making a comeback. While the resurgence of bottom-heavy ball gowns is not yet on the horizon, what can be best described as a play on proportion has found its way back to the fall runways. But, as always, with a resurfacing trend, it has been meticulously modernized and, in this case, almost completely reversed. This time around, the proportions have been reworked to be more top-heavy.

In terms of fashion, the past decade has been very interesting: We have witnessed everything from belly-baring tops and low-riding jeans to the rebirth of bohemia, compliments of Mary-Kate Olsen. At this point in time, designers have discovered a balance between the two extremes. With the re-introduction of leggings and skinny jeans over the last four years, designers are paring the slimmer silhouette with more sizeable counterparts, like bubble skirts, trapeze coats and voluminous dresses cut well above the knee, best illustrated by Nicolas Ghesqui

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