You might be familiar with Jacquard, a group of intricately decorated woven fabrics that feature embossed prints, particularly that of elaborate florals. Jacquard first became popular in Britain in the 1820s — the same Regency fashion era when Bridgerton [1] takes place — and it's currently making a comeback for spring 2021 thanks to our favourite fashion brands and Instagram's style enthusiasts.
For spring 2021, we saw decadent Jacquard prints at Simone Rocha [2], Erdem, Fendi, and JW Anderson. At Simone Rocha, the Regency-inspired print was used to add opulence to puff-sleeved mini and midi dresses. Erdem had a similar approach, using the woven fabric to add romance to khaki green puff-sleeved coats and co-ordinated sets, which take reference from Regency menswear innovator Beau Brummell. At Fendi and JW Anderson, Jacquard was used to add subtle details to playsuits and silk suits.
Off the runway, we noticed Jaded London's Woven Vintage Floral Slouchy Fit Jeans [3] (£65) taking off on Instagram [4] and on London's quiet streets. Paired with the announcement of Bridgerton's second series [5], and we expect to see Jacquard prints make a major comeback this spring.
Traditionally, Jacquard is not a type of fabric but a method of creating intricate woven fabrics like brocade, damask, and matelassé using a Jacquard machine. Today, Jacquard is more generally used to refer to this group of fabrics. But the origins of the fabric and how it has shaped modern technology might surprise you.
The origins of the Jacquard that we are familiar with dates back to beautiful brocade pieces made with coloured silks, silver and gold threads, worn by nobility in ancient China [6], Persia, and India. During the Renaissance, Italy began trading heavily with these textile-savvy countries, and around the same time brocade became a statement look in French courts. Because brocade and similar silk embroidered fabrics were handmade and extremely labour intensive, a French weaver named Joseph-Marie Jacquard was credited for the creation of the Jacquard machine in 1804 — that surprisingly inspired the technology behind the modern-day computer. While Jacquard has been worn for centuries around the world, it first gained popularity in Britain [7] in the 1820s and became a defining print of the Regency era.
Keep reading ahead for where to shop modern Jacquard clothing online.
Stine Goya Jasmine Dress
Stine Goya Jasmine Dress [8] (£310)
The Line by K Moon Midi Dress
The Line by K Moon Midi Dress [9] (£102, originally £340)
Simone Rocha Floral-Brocade Dress
Simone Rocha Floral-Brocade Dress [10] (£1650)
De La Vali Koko Mini Dress
De La Vali Koko Mini Dress [11] (£130, originally £325)
Rotate Birger Christensen Ruched Floral-Jacuqard Mini Dress
Rotate Birger Christensen Ruched Floral-Jacuqard Mini Dress [12] (£165, originally £300)
Oséree Blossom Kaftan
Oséree Blossom Kaftan [13] (£327)
H&M Jacquard-Patterned Shirt
H&M Jacquard-Patterned Shirt [14] (£70)
Sister Jane Cornflour Meadow Jacquard Mini Dress
Sister Jane Cornflour Meadow Jacquard Mini Dress [15] (£105)
Zara Jacquard Knit Photo Shirt and Shorts
Zara Jacquard Knit Photo Shirt [16] (£20) and Zara Jacquard Knit Shorts [17] (£20)
Jaded London Woven Vintage Floral Slouchy Fit Jeans
Jaded London Woven Vintage Floral Slouchy Fit Jeans [18] (£65)
Who What Wear Collarless Jacket
Who What Wear Collarless Jacket [19] (£112, originally £160)
Dream Sister Jane Gilda Jacquard Midi Dress
Dream Sister Jane Gilda Jacquard Midi Dress [20] (£180)
AVAVAV Mini Ruffle Dress
AVAVAV Mini Ruffle Dress [21] (£335)
Dream Sister Jane Blue Floral Jacquard Midi Dress
Dream Sister Jane Blue Floral Jacquard Midi Dress [22] (£175)
ASOS Design Super Ruched Shoulder Bag in Floral Jacquard
ASOS Design Super Ruched Shoulder Bag in Floral Jacquard [23] (£20)
Prudence Millinery Bow-Detailed Metallic Floral-Brocade Headband
Prudence Millinery Bow-Detailed Metallic Floral-Brocade Headband [24] (£670)
ASOS Design Tote Bag in Quilted Puff Floral Jacquard
ASOS Design Tote Bag in Quilted Puff Floral Jacquard [25] (£20)