Fashion never settles. Reliving the chic, elegant yet extravagant fashion from the past. Fashion has been ever-evolving it’s never static. At times we all tend to wonder, how people in the past defined fashion. What influenced their fashion sense? What were the various trends back then? And lastly, how has vintage fashion been influencing modern trends? If you are looking for answers to these questions, you are at the right place! As days pass, we learn of new trends that are either influenced by the past or the ones influenced by one’s creativity.
The transformation of fashion, since the beginning has been a captivating journey. This indicates not only the adaptation of styles but also the alteration of culture, technology, and societal norms. The definition of fashion varies from individual to individual. It largely depends on your liking, taste, vibe, occupation, etc. Some people think of fashion as something that’s easy-peasy. Some prefer dressing up according to the occasion. While some people like to go to the next level to showcase their fashion statement. Here we’ll take a look at a brief overview of the key stages in the evolution of fashion.
History of Fashion in the 1900s
In the 1900s, American women were seen dressed in altered blouses and skirts. This was one of the most desired fashion trends for women. These women preferred wearing corsets underneath their blouses as they were definitely in trend from the 1800s. The tops were blousy and loose. They really liked adding drama to their outfits like bell sleeves with lace or crochet. The outfit’s color was kept light but embellished with decorations. Women preferably dressed up modestly with dresses that covered their whole body from the neck and long sleeves covering their arms. 1930’s fashion statement was highly influenced by the movies of that time. Women wore dresses with floral prints and patterns. Makeup and curling irons became the primary need in every home.
At this time, Indian fashion was going through drastic changes. Indian women wore sarees and ghagras. These were accompanied by frilled skirts and decorated gowns. Fabrics that were most popularly used were Silk, cotton, Lace, satin, and chiffon. Later in 1918, Mahatma Gandhi started encouraging the Khadi movement to drive people away from the excessive dependence on mil-manufactured textile materials. In 1930, there was a great influence on fashion in the Indian cinema. The Western influence drastically decreased the use of angarkhas, choghas, and jamas. Hence fashion was growing with time and let’s see what new trends came in the years after.
History of Fashion in the 1950s
Fashion in the 1950s has been a decade of iconic fashion. It is known as the transformative era in the history of fashion. The iconic fashion trends that surfaced during this time still have a great impact on fashion enthusiasts and designers. During this time there was a clear gender divide. Women’s fashion predominated on formality, elegance, and outfits that were properly styled. The introduction of Christian Dior’s “New Look” collection in the year 1947, continued to have a great influence throughout the decade. There was a rise of rock ’n’ roll music and its impact on fashion was definitely undeniable.
Iconic stars like Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, and Grace Kelly became fashion icons, influencing women’s style choices worldwide. Monroe’s curve-hugging dresses and Hepburn’s classic elegance are still celebrated and emulated today. Outfits included great accessories like pearls, hats, and gloves in order to complete their look. 1950s was an era of fashion revolution and the emergence of a number of persisting trends. From the graceful femininity of the hourglass silhouette to the rebellious cool of rock ‘n’ roll style, this decade provided a varied range of fashion choices. It can be clearly seen that 1950s fashion persistently continues to influence contemporary designers, and its impact is unmatchable and can be seen in fashion trends even today.
History of Fashion in the 2000s
This was recorded as a highly influential decade in fashion. The introduction of various new, unique iconic looks and trends. Advancements in fashion technology and the debut of Y2K created a huge buzz all over. It included all the bling and shine with metallic and shiny black-tone outfits. The favored outfits for women consisted of mesh or handkerchief tops, box-pleated or leather skirts, shiny pants, and sparkly shoes. The technological influence created a huge hype on the internet and social media. Various bloggers and influencers started gaining the limelight.
Later on, the Bohemian look came into the picture. This included garments like yoga pants, low-rise jeans, cowl-neck shirts, peasant tops, capri pants, cropped jackets, and dresses over jeans were popular outfit choices for women. The introduction of the Hip-Hop culture played a crucial role in the rise of fashion. Pop stars like Britney Spears, and Christina Aguilera steadily dominated fashion with their provocative and bold stage outfits. 2000s fashion left a deep impact, so much so that today’s generation is highly influenced by it. This decade’s fashion trends had a dynamic range of styles, from Y2K futurism to the influence of pop culture icons. It was a time when anything appeared feasible in fashion, and individualism was celebrated.
History of Fashion in the 2010s
Unquestionably! fashion trends in 2010 were distinguished by a mixture of innovation, nostalgia, and the increasing prominence of sustainability. Fashion got more casual by this point. Rise of Athleisure, wherein activewear moved from the gym to the streets. The trend was highly popularised by influencers like Kardashian-Jenner. Social media gained a lot of popularity and consequently, it became a powerful platform for fashion. There was a rise in fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M, they continued to dominate the fashion market. This has definitely been a decade of the most influential High fashion.
Later on, wearable technology acquired the grip with the launch of products like the Apple Watch. This created hype among fashion-conscious individuals. Further on, Red Carpets became the ultimate way to showcase the new in fashion. Met Gala turned out to be a high-profile event showcasing innovative and avant-garde fashion. The main focus throughout this decade was on sustainable and ethical practices within the fashion industry. Various Movements like the Fashion Revolution Movement gained a lot of attention and pushed for lucidity in the supply chain. Fashion throughout this decade was noticeably a blend of past and future trends. Hence, this time included increasing understanding of social and environmental issues and the ever-expanding influence of digital media and technology.
Fashion Today
The spirit and aesthetic of today’s time can be seen in the dynamic and constantly evolving contemporary fashion. Fashion trends are constantly changing, and what’s considered fashionable can vary greatly depending on your location, personal style, and the current season. Sustainable fashion remains at the forefront, with eco-conscious materials and practices becoming the norm. Earthy tones and natural textures continue to dominate, reflecting our collective commitment to the environment. Oversized blazers and wide-legged trousers have made a strong comeback, offering a powerful androgynous statement.
Meanwhile, sheer fabrics and cut-out designs add a touch of sensuality to everyday wear. Accessories are all about maximalism, with chunky jewelry, statement belts, and bold sunglasses elevating any outfit. Footwear has taken a comfortable turn, with chunky sneakers and platform sandals ruling the streets. In 2023, fashion is a celebration of individuality, where personal style takes center stage, and the possibilities are limitless. Fashion in today’s time is all about feeling confident yet comfortable in your own vibe.
In conclusion to this, the past decade of high fashion evolution has been a captivating journey through creativity, self-expression, and cultural change. It’s a reminder that fashion is not just about clothing; it’s a reflection of society, a canvas for artistic expression, and a vehicle for progress. As we look to the future, it’s exciting to imagine what the next decade will bring in terms of innovation, sustainability, and the ever-evolving world of high fashion. One thing is for sure: it promises to be an exhilarating ride for fashion enthusiasts and trendsetters alike. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to witness the next chapter in the captivating story of fashion evolution.