Modern Vintage Sighting: Tory Burch and the '20s Fashion Photography of the Seeberger Brothers

Tory Burch unveiled another S/S 2012 collection inspired by the Jazz Age. But where others this season have revived the era with a sense of reflection considering the harsh economic climate through veiled references to the Great Depression, the collection from Tory Burch was thoroughly engrossed with the frivolous and carefree lifestyle of the rich and famous, those who were oblivious to the looming crisis. Considering the worldwide outcry directed at the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor today, with the Occupy Wall Street movement gaining momentum, it seems a particularly poor time to idealize the lifestyles of that not-so-distant era and while the collection was considered a success all around, it sort of left a bitter taste in my mouth.

That said, I do appreciate her very clear references to the works of the Seeberger brothers, arguably the world's first street fashion photographers. Many of the looks can be directly tied to some of the Seeberger images, and if you haven't checked it out yet, the collection of their works, Elegance, is a must-have volume for any fashion or vintage lover. Here are some of their images from 1920s Deauville (the Normany holiday resort), and their reincarnation in the Tory Burch collection.

Athletic wear, particularly inspired by tennis outfits, were a major part of the collection.

 

The one coat in the collection seemed out of place until I saw this Seeberger image.

Some subtle menswear references, though I think the '20s ladies did it much better.

 

 

 

Playful reworkings of the nautical stripe.

 

And some gowns, the cuts of which reference the wide leg pants of the era.