A cowl neck is a neckline consisting of a loose draped fabric collar. [1] The term can describe the neckline of a wide variety of garments, from the draped neckline of an evening gown to a raised neckline of knitwear similar to a turtleneck. [2] The neckline was introduced in the 1920s by Madeleine Vionnet based on her study of ancient Grecian sculptures. [3] The style is named for the cowl, a feature of monastic dress that serves as both a collar and a hood.
Inspired by the draped garments of antiquity, Madeleine Vionnet created the cowl neckline in the 1920s using the bias cut technique that she helped to popularize. [3] The cowl neck enjoyed the peak of its popularity in the 1930s. [1]
Cowl neck sweaters were popular in the 1970s. [4] Dresses of the disco era also frequently had cowl necks. [5]
Cowl necklines were a common feature of slip dresses made in the 1990s by designers such as John Galliano.
Two of the most notable garments of the early 2010s featured a cowl neckline. Lady Gaga's cowl-necked meat dress, created by Franc Fernandez, caused a stir at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. [6] At the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Pippa Middleton attracted media attention for wearing a form-fitting dress featuring a cowl neck. [7] Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the dress quickly generated demand for high street replicas. [8]
The cowl neck experienced a resurgence in the late 2010s as part of renewed interest in 1990s fashion. [2] Vivienne Westwood has been cited as an important driver of the trend. [9] [10]
A cowl neck is a neckline consisting of a loose draped fabric collar. [1] The term can describe the neckline of a wide variety of garments, from the draped neckline of an evening gown to a raised neckline of knitwear similar to a turtleneck. [2] The neckline was introduced in the 1920s by Madeleine Vionnet based on her study of ancient Grecian sculptures. [3] The style is named for the cowl, a feature of monastic dress that serves as both a collar and a hood.
Inspired by the draped garments of antiquity, Madeleine Vionnet created the cowl neckline in the 1920s using the bias cut technique that she helped to popularize. [3] The cowl neck enjoyed the peak of its popularity in the 1930s. [1]
Cowl neck sweaters were popular in the 1970s. [4] Dresses of the disco era also frequently had cowl necks. [5]
Cowl necklines were a common feature of slip dresses made in the 1990s by designers such as John Galliano.
Two of the most notable garments of the early 2010s featured a cowl neckline. Lady Gaga's cowl-necked meat dress, created by Franc Fernandez, caused a stir at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards. [6] At the 2011 wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton, Pippa Middleton attracted media attention for wearing a form-fitting dress featuring a cowl neck. [7] Designed by Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen, the dress quickly generated demand for high street replicas. [8]
The cowl neck experienced a resurgence in the late 2010s as part of renewed interest in 1990s fashion. [2] Vivienne Westwood has been cited as an important driver of the trend. [9] [10]