Exploring The Fashion Eras: A Journey Through Time

Introduction

Fashion trends may come and go, but the fashion eras of past centuries continue to influence design today. From the roaring twenties to the rebellious sixties, each era had its own significant impact on fashion. In this article, we will take a journey through time to explore the defining characteristics of each fashion era and how they shaped the industry.

The Victorian Era (1837-1901)

The Victorian era was defined by modest clothing, high-necked blouses, and long skirts for women. Men wore formal suits with top hats, and children’s clothing was inspired by their parent’s attire. The silhouette was slim with an emphasis on the hourglass figure, and corsets played an essential role in enhancing the body shape. Lace, frills, and bows were used to decorate clothing, and pastel colors were prevalent. Evening gowns became more elaborate with the introduction of the ballgown.

The Roaring Twenties (1920-1929)

The roaring twenties were a time of rebellion and liberation for women. Clothing became more relaxed, and women’s dresses became shorter, with the hemline rising from the ankle to the knee. The silhouette was boyish, and brassieres flattened the chest instead of enhancing the curve. Bob haircuts became popular, and makeup became bolder, with dark lips and smoky eyes. Art Deco inspired fashion design, with geometric patterns, embellishments of beads, and sequins.

The Golden Age (1930-1945)

The Golden Age was defined by glamorous evening gowns, tailored suits, and practical day dresses. The silhouette became more feminine, with a focus on the waistline, and soft shoulders. Bias cut dresses became popular, which enhanced the natural curve of the body. Color blocking was used in clothing, and accessories such as gloves and hats completed the look.

The Swinging Sixties (1960-1969)

The Swinging Sixties were revolutionary in fashion, with new shapes, fabrics, and colours breaking free of previous traditions, defining youth culture. The mini skirt was introduced and became a symbol of liberation. Fashion icons like Twiggy, Brigitte Bardot, and Audrey Hepburn inspired fashion with avantgarde geometric patterns and bold psychedelic prints.

The 80s and 90s

The 1980s witnessed a consumerist era of fashion with bright colours, big shoulder pads, and loud prints and patterns. The clothing was deliberately oversize, and punk rock aesthetics inspired fashion with leather jackets and ripped jeans. The 90s saw a return of classic styles and simplicity, clean cuts, and monochrome attires. The little black dress gained popularity again while brands like Calvin Klein dominated the fashion scene.

Conclusion

Fashion has come a long way since the Victorian era. The evolution of fashion has been a reflection of society’s evolution and the prevailing fashion knowledge of each time. Modern designers use past fashion trends and design elements to create new styles or vintage-inspired concepts with a modern take. We hope you have enjoyed this journey through time to explore the fashion eras and are inspired to incorporate elements of the past in your present and future attire.

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