Project Reflection

     In the past, I dreaded researching, reading about it, and making conclusions when it came to research papers. Not to say that this time was perfect, but I did find myself searching further into the topic because of interest. I was also presented with blogging which I had not done prior; this made drawing conclusion and looking over past sources a breeze. Moreover, I connected historical points with fashion. Now, I'm convinced that although one could argue that fashion comes completely out of people's creativity, evidence shows that events such as women's suffrage, the great depression, world war two, the red scare, the vietnam war, and the oil crisis of the 70s had a mayor impacts on fashion of their time.

Wiki

     My wiki page is designed to be navigated and read with ease while still learning about the fashions of the time. I decided to title my sub-pages according to the most prominent idea or style during their time period; they are still however chronologically organized. For example my first sub page is called "Women's Freedom" because the early 1900s womens fashion was very much influenced by the women's suffrage movement. I hope to go into more detail than I have in my blog and present all of my findings under each sub-page. I have learn a great amount of information on the influences fashion had during the 20th century including that the media has a greater amount influence than political happenings themselves. I hope to gather all of this knowledge and present it in a evocative way.

wiki link: http://20th-century-fashion.wikispaces.com/

The Nineties

     After the wild 70s and 80s, the 90s appeared to have become effortless in comparison. The famous grunge look was popularized by bands of the 90s such as Nirvana. Common trends included boot cut jeans or high rise for females, loose shirts, floral prints, hip hop inspired clothes, and classic blazers. 
     When Hong Kong finally returned to Chinese rule in 1997, many designers took the opportunity to create pieces inspired by the Chinese cheongsam dresses and fabrics. As a result, embroidery appeared in the market. 
     American designers, more than any others, became icons for their clothing. Even today it's easy recognize the names of Tommy Hilfiger, Ralph Lauren, Donna Karan, and Calvin Klein. These brands' identity are still iconic in our society as a result of effective propaganda and popularity. We repetitively gather ideas from the past and the present.


90s fashion - about 90s fashion trends and 90s fashion statements. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.90sfashion.info/


Thomas, P. (n.d.). The 1990s fashion history. Retrieved from www.fashion-era.com/the_1990s.htm

The 80s

     As the century moved along, television was gaining more and more influence over fashion. During the 1980s, this was no exception. Shows like "Dynasty" and "Dallas" had a great influence in the public. Pop culture has had the greatest impact in fashion. It was what told kids how to look cool and what was really in. Stars like madonna portrayed a certain 80s style that is iconic to this day. These celebrities endorsed the famous shoulder pats, jackets, loose shirts, jelly shoes, and leggings of the 80s. It is truly remarkable the power the media has had on our society; it has become the greatest influence on fashion.

Thomas, P. (n.d.). Power dressing 1980s fashion history. Retrieved from http://www.fashion-era.com/power_dressing.htm


80’s fashion trends & 80s costumes. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.thefashionpolice.net/80s-fashion-a-guide.html

The 70s

     During the 70s people became more conscious of other cultures. Technologically, cars and many buildings were now heated, making it so that people were exposed to the weather for a short amount of time: as then got out and in. Thus, people didn't mind wearing lighter clothes that were more ethnic influenced and less costly. The influence of other countries drove people to wear long flowing clothes, fur cuffs, bright colors, shawls, and gypsy tops. In addition to ethnic influences, disco also had a mayor impact during this time period. Platform shoes and spandex tops were a common companion. As the decade past by, pants began to flare to the bellbottom style of the 70s and then back to wide straight pants.  All of these trends allowed woman to be more expressive in what seemed to be a new role in society. Now they were more career oriented and felt a stronger independent role in society. Teens lifestyle changed as well when they found an infinite amount of choices when it came to what they could freely wear. Overall, people gave an essence of a more relaxed way of living.

Thomas, P. (n.d.). The 70s disco fashion 1970s costume history. Retrieved from http://www.fashion-era.com/1970s.htm


1970s fashion: ideas for fashions and styles. (2010).True Girl Online, Retrieved from http://www.truegirlonline.com/1970s-fashion-ideas-for-fashions-and-styles/

Post-War

     After the hardship of war during the 1940s, women looked for a departure from the distress. They did so by following hollywood stars such as Greta Garbo. Soon enough they fell inspired by their glamorous styles and were compelled to achieve the feminine shape once more in the 1950s. Dior gave woman exactly that with his extravagant voluminous skirts. However, during the 1960s it was the youth that pushed fashion to the next step. With a constant inspiration source from pop culture and media, the new generation felt the urge to leave their stamp. MLKJ, John F Kennedy, The Beatles, Mary Quant, and the hippie movement were all key players in giving an innovative air to this time period. Pop culture and the media allowed new ideas to form more than ever before.

     "Fashion serves as a thumbprint that society leaves behind and helps to define an era. It is the barometer of our culture," Steve Faerm stated. When I read this quote I couldn't help thinking how accurate it was. Fashion is society's way to reflect upon history; it is the attribute we make as generations.

Faerm, S. (2010). Fashion design course. London, England: Barron's Educational Series, Inc.

War Time Trends

     I was exited to find a variety of archaic articles on clothes during the second world war. "Look at what's going around the world and you know what women's clothes are going to be like," stated Elizabeth Hawes. This definitely held its truth during the time (and still does today.) Women in the early 1940s sported military-like trenches and jackets. Shoulder pats seemed to be often used as well. Buttons were a trendy accessory in every women's closet; they used them to decorate clothes, hats, and earrings. I just hope they weren't made out of people... The government also made it o.k. for women to trim their skirts and dresses to just below the knee length. The silhouette was meant to be sliming while still being at ease.
     It's astonishing how war time changes the clothes of its time. Military-like uniforms appeared in the Red Cross and even in Hollywood as a contemporary style. Women embraced the time through their clothes. After all, it is what surrounds us that inspires us.

Check out the articles:
Button up your accessories. (1943, September). CLICK Magazine, 6.

Glamour suit for war women. (1942, March). CLICK Magazine, 5(3), 11.

Slim wartime silhouette. (1943, October). CLICK Magazine, 30-31.

Hine, A. (1945, November 2). Clothes and things.Yank.