Fashion is a creative expression of personal style and popular culture, and the most iconic looks truly capture the spirit of their time. From Audrey Hepburn giving us the little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to the evolution of the traditional wedding dress over the years, some fashion moments are just too iconic to forget. Drawing on the timeless glamour and influence of these classic styles, we explore the fascinating story of iconic fashion moments and take a look back at how they continue to inspire our wardrobes today.
1. A Look Back at Standout Fashion Moments in History
The history of fashion is as vast and varied as it is intriguing. From the statement gowns seen on celebrities’ red carpets to the chaotic and daring designs of the punk movement, there have been many defining moments in the world of fashion. Here are just a few of the standout fashion moments that both inspire and captivate us.
The 60s – A Creative Explosion
The 60s was a decade full of vibrant colors and avant-garde silhouettes. From the mod look of miniskirts and go-go boots to geometric prints and psychedelic swirls, the 60s fashion scene was a creative explosion. Designers such as Mary Quant, Pierre Cardin, and Courrèges spurred a fashion revolution with their bold designs, setting a trend for all the decades to come.
The 70s – Defining Punk Fashion
The 70s were all about freedom of expression and experimentation. Punk fashion was born in this decade, with its emphasis on scruffy clothing and DIY styles. People started to stand out due to their unique and daring outfits, ranging from a signature punk hairstyle to slogans on t-shirts to shredded denim jackets. As people embraced this trend, it became a defining look of the 70s.
The 80s – Power Dressing & High Glamour
The big shoulders of ’80s fashion made a statement in the power suits of the decade. Women embraced the trend of “power dressing” – clothing that made them feel strong, independent, and invincible. However, it was not all business wear either. The ’80s saw high-glam fashion, with luxurious fabrics and decadent designs, which were seen everywhere from red carpets to clubs.
The 90s – Embracing Individuality
The 90s was the decade of individuality. People focused on expressing themselves, embracing looks like grunge with plaid and leather. Fashion trends such as platform shoes and chokers served as a way to stand out in the crowd. The scene was completed by the gap between downtown street fashion and uptown designer looks, making the 90s a diverse and experimental decade.
2. Exploring How These Classic Styles Have Inspired Modern Design
Think of all the modern décor that exists today and you’ll notice how each piece often pays homage to a style that exists in the past. From rustic furniture, to vibrant fabrics, and opulent color schemes—classic interior design styles have been not only survived, but have also evolved and incorporated themselves into many of today’s décor.
Take a look at the popular Scandinavian interior design style that began in the 1950s; its simplistic yet serene quality continues to
3. How Historical Context Influences Fashion Statements
From the earliest fashion trends of Victorian England to today’s hip-hop couture, past eras and the clothing styles they embraced have had a significant impact on the shapes, colors, and textures of today’s fashion statements. To really understand the trends we find ourselves drawn to, it pays to look back at history and how it had an influence.
A Look at the ‘20s
The Roaring Twenties are still celebrated in the fashion world today. As the decade of excess that ran from 1920 to 1929 witnessed a surge in consumerism, it was also a time of rapid change, particularly in the world of women’s fashion. Women became more active participants in society, which was reflected in what they wore. They revealed their hands, arms, and legs with blouses, shorts, and dresses with shorter hemlines than ever before. Accessories such as strings of pearls and berets soon became must-have items.
The 50s: A Different Type of Rebel
The decade following World War II in America brought the emergence of a whole new youth culture and fashion. After the innocent 1940s, it was fresh, hip, and rebellious. Influenced by the uniform-haired crooners of the era as well as the popularity of cars, leather jackets, sweater sets, and bobby socks became the look of the time. When Rebel Without A Cause was released in 1955, James Dean’s leather jacket was emblazoned in the minds of moviegoers and fans of the era alike. To this day, leather jackets are associated with being effortlessly cool.
The Present: What’s Inspiring Us Now
Today, fashion statements are more diverse than ever as they’re further influenced by music, the street, personal expression, and culture. Globalization has opened up the world of fashion, allowing individuals to borrow from cultures all over the world in creating their looks. Whether they are wearing a traditional Mexican huipil, an Afghani dress, a ’90s grunge band tee, or paisley trousers influenced by the ’60s, knowing their fashion history helps them curate a unique and personal style.
4. Finding Inspiration in the Fashions of Yesteryear
It’s easy to get lost in the latest fashion trends – focusing exclusively on what’s new, rather than on what had previously existed. This can be particularly challenging when it comes to developing a unique style. Thankfully, there is a way to gain insight from costumes of the past.
Vintage fashions can provide insight into the alternative possibilities of fashion. Many contemporary trends, such as retro 60’s and 70’s looks, owe their inspiration to vintage wear. By stepping back and taking a look at fashion from previous eras, you can get a better idea of just how vast the world of fashion is.
Spotting trends can even be done without having to go out and buy clothes from the past. For example, by visiting vintage markets, you can decipher the trends of the time for yourself. Whether you stumble upon an opulent beaded blouse or a midi pleated skirt, you might begin to understand what other fashion options were available in the past.
Contrasting styles can also be found in vintage wear. For example, romantic details, such as ruffles, on vintage cocktail dresses can clash with more masculine details, such as pinstripes. By pulling aside the layers of each era, you can get a sense of the contrasting styles offered by the period.
Lastly, wearing vintage clothes can be beneficial for drawing inspiration from the way it was worn originally. There may be subtle details or ways of combining items of clothing that can only be discovered by wearing the garment in the way the trend was originally portrayed. This will add an air of timelessness to your look.
Going back to the past can help nurture the development of a unique fashion sense, so don’t forget to invest in vintage clothing pieces!
As the fashion industry continues to evolve, it’s important to honor the icons of years past and learn from their style decisions. Taking cues from these fashion moments is an opportunity to build a greater appreciation for the industry and its history. Not only can we learn about the trends of the past, but we can draw on their collective inspiration to create something entirely new.
