A hand-me-down beauty from my late grandmother made in the mid 70's.
When I look back and see how fashion has been evolving it makes me
realize the unbounded artistry of humanity. Their creativity produced
remarkably masterpieces which still inspire the generation at present. Come
join me as I look back on previous fashion trends – its phenomenal movements,
hip symbolic, challenges and brave come back!
Prior 50’s
The law of supply and demand had greatly
shaped the way how people dress up following World War II. There had been
limited supply of clothing materials until the opening of 50’s. Needles,
fabrics and knowledge on technology were at its scarcest so people had managed
to adapt and maximize the available resources. Learning these things
facilitates understanding as to why people had been driven to uncomplicated
types of clothing.
50’s
At the beginning of 50’s,
resources on clothing production had increased significantly. There had been an
abundant supply of fabrics from different types of raw, producing a variety of
materials – rayon, nylon, wool and leather. It was the year of massive
production of pleats and gatherings. It can also be an interpretation on how
people had compensated for the inadequate fabrics in the previous era. Fashion
during this period was all about women. Their clothing was designed to please
others specifically the opposite gender. Bustiers and corsets, the LBD in any
woman’s closet, were originally made in the 50’s. During the latter part of
this era, more options on clothing styles were produced. Skirts, Bermuda
shorts, leggings and pedal pushers were all made to flatter a woman’s body. It
was a daring era, indeed.
60’s
60’s was a year of liberation. It
was the time when people had decided to depart themselves from the conventional
trend. False eyelashes and stilettos, a staple runway gears, had been created
and became too popular during this era. Skirt was modernized by the famous May
Quant, transforming the conservative length to minis. Bodysuits and shorts soon
began to get attention by the young crowd. In the mid 60’s, corsets and knee length
skirts had been completely eliminated. Adults had settled on mini dresses and
pale lipsticks to achieve the “little girl look.” Hemlines became obviously
shorter adding a slimming effect on a woman’s figure. Stilettos had been
modified to pumps and low heeled sandals. By mid 60’s as well, a strong youth
subculture arose named “hippie.” They started to gain popularity through their
distinct fashion statement. They dress up to show that they’re free from any
kind of restriction may it be social, political, sexual and spiritual. They
have a very unique way of styling when it comes to color choices, music
selection and grooming. They believe that a person should not conform to what
the society dictates. Bell bottom jeans, batik fabrics, full skirts, peasant’s
blouses and paisley prints were all part of their wardrobe. At the end of 60’s,
animal prints of different types had gained popularity in the fashion world.
Many clothing designs and even fashion accessories had been incorporated with
the prints – hand bags, wallets, shoes and purses. The low heeled sandals and
pumps were ultimately altered to flats providing more movement and comfort to
women at work.
70’s
This era started strong bagging a
logo of individualism. T-shirts, sneakers, jeans or any kind of clothing that
provide comfort was very much accepted. There had been a carry-over of the
hippie look in the entire period of this era. The uniqueness of hippies was
best interpreted through their contribution in fashion. They were very much
visible wearing ponchos, capes and different kinds of embroidery. Mini dresses
had evolved into maxis with different cuts and patterns – backless, tube,
halter and low cut necklines. Cardigan, sweater and pullovers were all part of
the era’s clothing trend. Accessories made of pearl, stones, beads were all
marketable items. The popularity of animal prints had been continued until the
launching of faux fur in the 70’s. Mid 70’s surprised many people with creation
of a jumpsuit together with crop tops and maillot in replacement of a bikini. The
progress of fashion during this era was justly admirable. Their creation
absolutely magnifies their vast imagination.
80's
Being a middle child born in the
mid 80’s, I had witnessed how the legendary Madonna influenced the mass in
dressing up – fishnet stockings, gloves and big curls. During the start of
80’s, fashion colors started meek and quiet focusing mainly on the safest
shades they could get. As the years went by, it shifted into a loud neon hue, something
sparkling and anything bright. As of today, a few of the famous pieces from its
era are being salvaged to make a name not only on the streets but also on
fashion ramp. Bustiers and brassieres which were in the beginning produced as
undergarments were worn as fashion statement symbolizing continous influence of
hippies. In order to provide comfort without taking away style, a sleek casual
item was pioneered – sneakers; which sooner or later gave birth to jelly shoes.
Dresses were refurbished into wearable items, bragging comfort and sleek cut
outs – tea dresses, sunday dresses and sweater dresses. So much innovation had
happened during my birth era which I am particularly proud of, however, what
interests me more are its preceding years. The years prior 80’s are remarkably
appealing to me. I feel that there is more to what we hear or see and maybe too
it’s likely to unravel the story behind each vintage piece.
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