With a simple cut of fabric or a distinctive design, fashion can transport us to any era in history. Whether it be loose-fitting psychedelic patterns making us feel like we’re a groupie at Woodstock or tight crop tops reminiscent of a Y2K high school movie villain, we use fashion to experiment, explore and, in some cases, escape.

We may dream of dashing through an abandoned castle in a billowing ballgown or sailing the seas in a frilly white shirt fit for a swashbuckling pirate, but we rarely get the opportunity to incorporate centuries-old fashions into our modern wardrobes. Though a nod to medieval fashions may not be an every-day outfit choice for most, it harkens back to a highly-romanticized time period and allows us to dip into our daydreams.

Photographer Pierce Bartman poses the question: Why must we leave the fantastical fashions of our daydreams behind?

Photographer: Pierce Bartman

Stylist: Chloé Proffitt

Model: Laynie Oettinger

Words: Catie Pusateri