From the futuristic outfits of the 20s to the wearable art of the 70s, fashion has created major waves in history and continues to shape and influence our modern world. In this article, we’re taking a look back through the decades, exploring the iconic fashion moments that will be remembered throughout history.
1. From Corsets to Shoulder Pads: Celebrating Iconic Fashion Moments
Fashion continuously evolves as the years pass, with iconic elements of clothing elevating certain seasons and trends. From 1920’s corsets to the shoulder pads of the 80’s, each decade introduced us to new fads and fashions that we’ll never forget.
- 1920’s: Corsetry – With a fast-paced movement towards a modern and independent lifestyle, the 1920s brought the emancipation of the corset as women started to embrace flowing silhouettes and relaxed clothing. The loose-fitting shift dresses of this era reflected the attitude of the time as women’s attitude towards fashion changed.
- 1940’s: Peplum – Characterised by defined waistlines and nipped in skirts, the 1940s featured the peplum style. This silhouette emphasized the hips and formed a flattering hourglass shape for the wearer. It was a power-dressing trend of the times that included tailored suits, tops and dresses showing off structured shoulders without compromising beauty.
- 1980’s: Shoulder Pads – The go-go 80s pushed fashion into a bold new realm with no shortage of avant-garde silhouettes and over-the-top embellishments. One of the biggest trends of this decade was shoulder pads. It was meant to convey strength and power as seen on Michael Jackson, Cyndi Lauper, and other iconic figures of the times.
All of these iconic elements of fashion give us a window into the past and a glimpse into what life was like in each era. Every age has its own fashion statement that speaks to the culture and attitudes of the time, making fashion quite unique in its ability to tell stories.
2. Making Positive Social Impact Through Fashion
The world of fashion can prove to be an incredibly powerful tool when it comes to making a positive social impact. Whether it be raising awareness for a certain charity, advocacy for human rights, or eco-friendly practices, fashion is one avenue that more and more people are turning to in order to further their cause.
One great way to make a positive social impact with fashion is by choosing where to purchase your pieces from. Buying from independent, ethically-sourced, and sustainably-sourced retailers can go a long way in helping out those causes. Small business owners may not have the loudest voice in society, but they add to the positive discourse that’s out there. Another way is by taking part in campaigns and movements that reflect one’s values. Whether it’s investing in products that donate a part of their profits to a certain cause, or wearing items with a message to spark conversations about social issues, fashion is an avenue for making a positive social impact.
3. Reflecting the Times – Breaking Boundaries in the Fashion of the Early 20th Century
The early 20th century was an exciting time for fashion. It saw the emergence and redefinition of various rules and trends and provided an impetus for bold experimentation. The most significant contribution of the era was to break traditional boundaries and create fashionable looks that would shape the industry to this day.
Women in particular held the most revolutionary and expressive styles during the early 1900s. Hemlines were risen to ankle length. Skirts were made to fit the body. Shoulders and necks were uncovered, becoming a key feature of the “garconne style” which eliminated any hint of femininity. Looser trousers in the “harem pants” style were introduced with a signature drop waist silhouette. Men followed suit with shorter hemlines, enabling a wider range of movements, often teamed with wide-silhouetted jackets. Caps, toques and scarves completed the fashion forward look.
4. Vintage Glamour and the Legacy of Classic Fashions
Classic fashions provide a timeless charm that’s full of character and wonder. The sultry swagger of vintage glamour blended with a sense of effortless poise creates a unique elegance that is bound to turn heads. There’s something about classic fashions that continue to remain a classic choice even after many years. From the bell bottoms of the 70s, the shoulder pads of the 80s, to the structured designs of the 90s, classic fashions have something for everyone.
To add a bit of vintage glamour to your wardrobe, look toward pieces that have been in fashion for at least 10 years. Whether it’s that tweed blazer, a nicely tailored suit, or a classic wrap dress, these timeless items will keep you looking chic without sacrificing your individuality. A few pieces of vintage-inspired jewellery, such as an art deco brooch, a long necklace, or a pair of sleek earrings can also help bring on the allure of classic fashion.
5. Revolutionizing Couture: Fashion Innovations of the 1960s and 70s
The 1960s and 70s was a period of great revolution in fashion. Throughout the two decades, new ideas and innovations gained traction and paved the way for new forms of couture. Here is a look at some of the fashion revolutions of the period:
- Miniskirts: Released in 1965, the miniskirt was intended to shock and push back traditional convention. Taking elements from both juvenile and adult styles, it became a trend that teenagers and young girls started wearing more and more throughout the sixties. To this day, it remains a staple item in fashion.
- Platform shoes: As an attempt to make some traditional shoes taller and more vibrant, platforms hit the scene in the 1970s and became an instant hit for fashionistas. Worn by both men and women, this style of shoe quickly became widely popular.
- Vintage looks: Levi’s jeans, flannel shirts, and long skirts were all the rage in the seventies. Vintage-style combined with other elements to expand on the creativity and variety in fashion.
- Sexy dresses: Heavily inspired by the styles of the swinging sixties, dress trends of both the sixties and seventies included plunging necklines, bold colors, and statement patterns.
The innovations and fashion trends of the sixties and seventies have had lasting impacts throughout the decades. From platform shoes to vintage looks, these fundamental shifts in couture have been remembered to this day. The creativity and style of the period remain uniquely prominent throughout current fashion.
6. Celebrating Iconic Fashion Milestones of the 21st Century
The world of fashion has never ceased to evolve and innovate, and the 21st century has presented designers with ample opportunities to make their mark on their industry. From reinventing traditional silhouettes with asymmetric hems to embracing nontraditional forms of apparel, these iconic fashion milestones have set themselves apart in their ability to inspire.
Seamless Draping – Redefining what it meant to wear a pristine evening gown, Olivier Rousteing made waves in the fashion industry with his seamless draped silhouettes for his first balmain collection. His ability to combine perfectly-fitted gowns with body-skimming pieces made him a standout in the fashion world.
A New Era of Accessories – For centuries, accessories had been either a small piece of the fashion equation or a necessary evil. But Suddenly, every runway was adorned with elaborate hats, oversized sunglasses, and experimental jewelry pieces that made these trinkets integral features of any look.
- Emilio Pucci – Brought colorful, whimsical prints to clothing and accessories.
- Philip Treacy – Drew attention to headpieces, creating ornate and architectural interpretations.
- Martin Margiela – Discovered the joys of deconstruction, inventing the split-toe Tabi boot.
The fashion industry and its evolution has been an ever-changing yet inspiring one. From the time that Coco Chanel shaped women’s style with the iconic little black dress, to when the crop top redefined a new era of daring style choices, it’s been a journey worth remembering. The iconic moments from these designs and visuals are what make fashion history so special and timeless.
Looking forward, the possibilities for innovation in fashion and design seem to be limitless. What iconic moments will be remembered in the years ahead? Only time will tell, so stay tuned for what the future holds.
