Dresses Quote by Holly Black
““Much of the clothing is moth-eaten, but I can see what they once were. A skirt with a beaded pattern of pomegranates, another that pulls up, like a curtain, to show a stage with jewelled mechanical puppets underneath. There is even one stitched with the silhouette of dancing fauns as tall as the skirt itself. I've admired Oriana's dresses for their elegance and opulence, but these awaken in me a hunger for a dress that's riotous. They make me wish I'd seen Locke's mother in one of her gowns. They make me think she must have liked to laugh.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: “The Darkest Part of the Forest” (2015) describing magical dresses and yearning for boldness
The narrator admires ornate dresses but craves a wild, rebellious style, reflecting deeper desires for freedom
In simple terms: She admires elegance yet longs for riotous, liberating fashion
Key Takeaway
Seek bold self‑expression beyond tradition
Themes
fashion
identity
rebellion
Mood
imaginative
reflective
Type
literary
character‑development
When to use this quote
- designing avant‑garde clothing
- exploring costume history
- expressing individuality through dress
- challenging norms
Key Concepts
cultural symbolism
personal transformation
mythic imagery
Questions to Reflect On
- What does “riotous dress” represent in your life?
- How can you balance elegance with daring?
A Different Perspective
Desire for rebellion may clash with societal expectations and practicality
