1990 - The 'Casual' era!

90's Fashion - The 'casual' era

Tattoos and body piercings were introduced during the 90's and became very popular. The casual chic look started in the 90's and carried on into the 2000's with people wearing jeans, t-shirts, hoodies and trainers which implied a more relaxed approach to fashion.

Naomi Campbell is a British Supermodel who was scouted at the age of 15 in the 80's and continues modelling in this present day. She's walked the catwalk for designers such as Gianni Versace and many more during the 90's.

A continuation from the 80's look was seen during the 90's as many women still wore denim buttoned shirts and neon colours. Sweatshirts, baby doll dresses and trench coats were still a hit at the begining of the 90's, although matching jeans and jackets began to be made in more darker shades than acid wash. The 90's saw many women embracing leggings and stirrup pants with elastic boot straps.

Popular women's accessories included court shoes, cowboy boots, penny loafers and headscarves. The common layed back outfit worn during the 90's for women would be a baby doll dress with black opaque tights with white slouchy socks and white sneakers. It wasn't uncommon to see mothers dressed alongside their daughters in a slouchy t-shirt, leggings and converse's although nowadays daughters may not like that idea!


Men on the other hand during the early 90's were seen wearing the 'grunge' look including, flannel shirts which were a bit hit as they were padded but loose fitting. Unlike the women men still wore acid washed denim jeans, they also wore wool sweaters and black leather jackets.


Over in the music industry one of my all-time favourite girl bands came about during the 90s - The Spice Girls! The group consisted of five members including Victoria Beckham ('Posh Spice'), Geri Halliwell ('Ginger Spice'), Emma Bunton ('Baby Spice'), Melanice Brown ('Scary Spice') and Melanie Chisholm ('Sporty Spice'). The girls had an influence on fashion during the 90's embracing their own styles due to the reason they were given their individual nicknames! They had many great hits including, Stop right now and Who do you think you are!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JD6ejmlpa8

 

In 1997 Stella Mcartney (daughter of Sir Paul Mcartney-former Beatles member) was made the Creative Director of Chloe in Paris following in the footsteps of Karl Lagerfeld. Lagerfeld was not impressed that Paris fashion house Chloe were not taking on a big name 'Let's hope she's gifted like her father' he quoted. Despite the initial criticism Stella Mcartneys designs have had critical success. By 2001 Stella Mcartney launched her own fashion house under her name in joint with Gucci group which is still very successful in the fashion industry.

Titanic was one of the film industry's greatest classic successful films during the 90's starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Kate Winslet. The epic romantic disaster film saw different types of social classes falling in love on the ship during its voyage.

Gianni Versace is an Italian designer who founded his fashion house in 1978, his first boutique also opened in the same year in Milan. He was killed in 1997 so his sister Donatella Versace stepped up as creative designer for Versace. Versace is known for its many different labels selling luxury clothing, accessories and make up. During before Gianni Versace was killed he created the black leather bondage theme dresses which were quite controversial although he inspired many fashion houses and is known for being one of the world's leading international fashion houses.

By the late 90's pastel colours became a hit as many women wore like pink or baby blue tank tops or sweaters revealing crop tops! Also union jack motifs were popular inspired by the cool Britannia movement which continued through to 2000. Alexander Mcqueen inspired many women to wear low-waisted jeans during the late 90's. Although new trends were slowly coming through many fashion trends from the early and mid-90's continued through the decade such as miniskirts, flared trousers and grey sweat pants as well as thong underwear popularising by contemporary R&B! Popular accessories seen were big hoop earrings, fascinators, alice bands and jelly shoes which I wore in the early 2000's as a child!

One of my all-time favourite childhood films came out in 1996 - Matilda! An American fantasy film based on the Roald Dahl novel starring Danny Devito, Rhea Perlman, Embeth Davidtz, Pam Ferris and Mara Wilson (Matilda).

By the late 90's most men's trends also continued through the decade such as 'street wear' as men were still seen wearing tracksuits, bomber jackets and cargo pants! Popular brands such as Nike, Reebok and Adidas were known for changing the leather sole to the rubber sole which most men preferred. An influential person at the time wearing the 'street wear' trend would be Will Smith in The Fresh Prince of  Bel-Air!

1980's - What a colourful era!

1980's - The colourful era!

In the early 1980's men and women wore looser shirts and tight close fitting trousers. The continuation of big hair styles was seen in the 80's for women and men were  still seen with mullets!

A fashion icon showcasing the big hair style during the 80's would be Madonna! Setting the 'Street Urchin' style wearing short skirts over leggings, brassieres worn on outer clothing and fishnet gloves! Many women were not afraid to follow this trend dancing to 'Borderline', a classic girls night out track at the time! 

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSaC-YbSDpo




One of Madonna's later songs although a personal favourite!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WhOr2JlhFTI









Ralph Lauren was one of many influential fashion designers during the 80's who had his own boutique called Polo in Beverly Hills and later on in New York plus Chicago. Although as well as becoming known for his clothing, Ralph Lauren became well known for his classic collection of rare automobiles.

























Over in the film industry one of the most popular musical films at the time was Fame produced by David De Silva and directed by Alan Parker.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=82Qy1Dd9jdc

'Fame' had a great influence on the fashion industry as leg warmers, leotards and spandex became very popular!

Another film during this period was 'Flashdance' which made ripped sweatshirts popular!

Although for men this was a different situation! Men were influenced by the king of pop - Michael Jackson during this period. He introduced the matching leather jacket and pants usually in black or red, he also wore gloves or a glove often during his performances.

Michael Jackson also introduced the 'preppy look' with his casual baseball or soccer jackets. Many people followed this trend through the 80's.

Following pop music hip hop and rap music was influencing the fashion industry widely with track suits becoming popular along with kangol hats and oversized gold jewllery!



Calvin Klein saw his brand successfully expand during the 80's as profits were rising; he changed the American market of men's underwear. Often wife's, mothers or girlfriends would purchase the underwear for the men in packs of 3 usually white! Calvin Klein wanted men to care about the brand of something few ever saw, which he successfully achieved through to the late 90's.

By the late 80's Dr Martens where a very popular shoe brand among scooter riders, punks and members of other youth subcultures as well as being very popular among youths of today!
They were popular during World War II which is were they originated from by an injured German solider, who found his army boots were too uncomfortable to wear whilst he was recovering from an ankle injury. He designed boots with soft leather and air padded soles made of tyres.

1970's 'Please yourself'

1970's - 'Please yourself'


Glam Rock was very popular during the 70's, people wore outrageous clothes, make-up and hairstyles. Platform shoes were also a big hit during the glam rock period. David Bowie is a good iconic name associated with the glam rock style whose clothes were inspired by space and technology. He had many successful tracks such as Starman and Changes!

Following glam rock, the flamboyant style was also seen with people wearing high waisted flared trousers were a big hit during the 70's, as well as rhinestone studded shirt for men. Hairstyles were either spiky, multi coloured or long and soft layered. Mullets were often a popular hairstyle seen through the 70s!

Women on the other hand wore halter neck tops, velvet dresses and sequin bra tops following the disco style. Cher was an inspiration for some women wearing leotard and having very thin eyebrows!

Yves Saint Laurent was the first French designer to use his own image to promote his products. He was regarded as one of the greatest names in fashion history and was credited for introducing the woman's tuxedo suit. In 1971 he showcased a 1940's inspired collection, which was criticized by the press; he ignored the press and watched his success! 

Bianca Jagger was another name who was iconic for wearing peacock feathers in her cloche hats.




Zandra Rhodes made her debut in the 70's known for her colourful outrageous designs. She was born in Kent in 1940 and studied printed textiles at the Royal College of art in London. She later opened her boutique with Sylvia Ayton  called the Fullam Road Clothes Shop. Sylvia Ayton designed the clothes and Zandra Rhodes supplied the printed textiles designs. Zandra Rhodes was one of the new wave of British designers who put London at the forefront of the international fashion scene in the 1970s. One of her many achievements include designing garments for Princess Diana. 

 

 

 

In the film industry Charlie's Angels had an impact on fashion showcasing the one-piece swimsuit.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jerry Hall was a US actress starring in famous films such as Batman; she was also a model and was the face for Opium. She later married Mick Jagger and they went on to have four children. 

 

 

 

Punk Style was a big craze in the 70's brought about by Vivienne Westwood using bondage gear, safety pins, and bicycle chains on garments as well as spiked dog collars for jewelry along with extravagant hair and make-up. She designed garments for Malcolm Mclarens boutique in Kings Road London called 'Let it Rock' later known as 'Sex'. 

 

1960's - The happening!

The Sixties - The happening!

By far one of my favourite periods of time in history! The sixties saw the arrival of the mini skirt followed by hot pants to the beehive hair style, you name it the sixties made it happen!

The Supremes!

 Definetly one of my favourite motown groups! They came about during the sixties bringing sparkle and glamour to the music industry, showcasing their big hair and diamonds!

 They were major rivals with the beatles through the sixties.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVlr4g5-r18

Members of the Supremes included, Diana Ross (lead singer), Mary Wilson and Florence Ballard when in 1967 the group was renamed 'Diana Ross and the Supremes' until the 1970 when Ross pursued a solo career and was replaced with Jean Terrell. There for the group's name reverted to 'The Supremes'. Some of the Supremes major hits during the 60's include: baby love, come see about me and stop in the name of love which to this day I believe are motown classics still played on the radio!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23UkIkwy5ZM



Woodstock festival was a big event in 1969 bringing hippies and Mod's together! Mods were seen wearing parkers or vespers were as hippies would be seen wearing peace sign necklaces or embellishments with big flower or tie dye prints. Jimi Hendrix was one of many acts who played at the 3 day festival; many thousands of people went to the festival. Although the festival was remarkably peaceful given the number of people and the conditions involved, there were two recorded fatalities: one from what was believed to be a heroin overdose and another caused in an accident when a tractor ran over an attendee sleeping in a nearby hayfield. There also were two births recorded at the event (one in a car caught in traffic and another in a hospital after an airlift by helicopter) and four miscarriages.

1964 saw an outbreak in the clash of two youth groups, Mods and Rockers which lead to major riots in the South of England. Mods as mentioned above being seen at Woodstock saw Rockers as oafish and grubby were as Rockers who were known for being centralised around motorcycling wore leather jackets and saw Mods as snobby and weedy. A great film I enjoyed watching is Quadrophenia which helped my knowledge between both youth groups and I liked seeing the individual fashions both groups wore!

                          

Designers making their debut in the sixties included the famous fashion house hold name 'Biba' founded by Barbra Hulanicki providing nice clothes at affordable prices! Mary Quant was also a big name who brought the new length mini skirt to the table.

Biba's first shop was opened in Kensington, London 1964.

Mary Quants first shop was called Bazar which she opened during the sixties.

 

Audrey Hepburn helped advertise Givenchy as she wore alot of the garments produced by Givenchy which helped expand the designer label. Another deisgner to include is Pierre Cardin who was a big tailor during the sixties.

 

 

 

2000's - The 'Mash up' decade!

2000s fashion - The 'Mash up' decade!

Minimalist fashion was still popular among both sexes from the 90's, some say there was a lack of divide between the fashion from the 90's and the 2000's. The 2000's didn't particulary have a style but were seen recycling vintage clothing styles from for example the sixties or the eighties.

Leading designers during this period included - Alexander Mcqueen, Vera Wang, Christian Louboutin, Jean - Paul Gaultier and Vivienne Westwood.

From 2001 onwards many women wore more feminine styles such as denim miniskirts, daisy dukes, flared trousers and tank tops! Although bright colours were a hit including hot pink, baby blue and yellow!

In the mid 2000's boho and vintage styles around the globe became popular as low rise skinny jeans were a hit in America.

By the late 2000's both women and men revived the 80's punk style wearing acid washed skinny jeans and neon colours. Mariah Carey was one Amercan singer wearing the punk style during the 2000's as well as Madonna.

In 2007 Reese Witherspoon wore a yellow canary style dress to the golden globes which inspired many to wear brighter colours.

Men's wear started off with a 'leisurely look' of baseball caps and rugby shirts which slowly moved onto a revival of the 60's 'indie pop' style! Then by the late 2000's throwback fashions were popular including Ray Ban aviator sunglasses and wool topcoats.

Christian Loboutin is a famous French footwear designer who's shiny red laquered soles have become his signature. He is known for bringing back the stiletto heel back into fashion during this period designers many different heel heights and designs!








'Sex And the City' is one of the best chick flick films made in 2008 after its series ended on the television. This film had great inspiration showcasing the lifestyle and culture based in New York and more importantly each of the four friends has their own personality and style. This includes Carrie Bradshaw - High end fashion/ Vintage, Samantha Jones - Figure flattering pieces, Charlotte York - Classy and polished, and Miranda Hobbes - Separates/ interesting print styles!

 

1950s - The arrival of the teenager!

Following the impact of the full skirt introduced by Christian Dior, he made a come back in the 1950s with the arrival of the stiletto, the horseshoe collar and the princess line, as the industry picked up for him his buisness grew bigger.

'Fashion' became a household word.
                                                                                                                                            Dior stiletto


 The 1950s was known to be the feminine decade and this was shown through most women wearing a floral day dress. The corsets were definetly gone by this decade and conical shaped bras were the new hit. A classic example of the perfectly groomed elegant lady during this period is Audrey Hepburn known for the little black dress in every girls closet.


 Dior Dress







Although she wasnt always seen in a dress, she embraced the jeans and showed women how you still look effortlessly buffed and groomed without the need for a dress. Jeans became a very popular trend for the everyday teenager as well.

Men began to embrace the 'Ted look' wearing brightly coloured jackets and thiner trousers.

Pop art played its roll as a new art movement showcasing bold colours and celebrity faces such as Marilyn Monroe.

Elvis made his appearance and popularised Rock and Roll music, many of his hits were played around cafes and bars booming out of a juke box!



Films such as Grease and dirty dancing are classic examples of the fashions most teenagers embraced in the 50's.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rf55gHK48VQ

 Synthetic fibres were being mass produced as they were alot cheaper.

Balencigara introduced the Sack Dress.