Sara Pendergast

“All women’s outfits started with a shift (a loose, linen smock worn to protect the gown), and stockings which were normally knee - high. Petticoats were added both to fill out the gown and to keep the wearer warm.” (Robinson) This quote explains how complicated, specific, and so many different layers, and details that it could be overwhelming to a person in today’s modern fashion world. Though Renaissance fashion was over the top compared to today clothing and style, it was a gateway to modern day

There have been and still are hundreds of fashion designers in the world. But only a few of them have had any major impact on fashion industry today. And even fewer have revolutionised the fashion industry completely. One of these revolutionaries is the renowned Christian Dior. He reestablished Paris as the centre of the fashion world, and created his name as a symbol of elegance, quality, and modernity. I will be looking into how Dior’s context informed his practice, by using three of his most iconic and popular designs; The Bar Suit, Venus Dress and the Cygne Noir dress. And how these were a direct representation of 1945-1950 France.

Throughout the 1920s through the 1950s Women’s clothing in America was affected by World War II, which lead to the exploration of different styles, the encounter of new trends and the exchange of ideas and new styles.

(Choose a garment, which can be used to discuss fashion from the point of view of the consumer. This garment must be able to demonstrate how the consumer individually constructs their identity and conveys that identity through the style and styling of clothing. You should treat this garment as an object as a form of evidence, which can help you to explain theories of fashion discussed in the sessions. The intention of your analysis is to examine the ways in which we can ‘read’ objects and images, understand their meanings and explain them in the context of broader theoretical and social concerns. You should aim to be as analytical as possible. You may want to use further

We usually pay more attention to the inner core of human beings, but clothing is not simply an outfit that covers out bodies—it indeed delivers a strong message to the society. A particular style of clothing marks the fashion of an era or a culture, but sometimes there is more historical context and material politics behind it. Clothing is not superficial; it represents identity and dignity of a group of people. According to Miller’s “Why Clothing is not Superficial”, clothing gives us “such dignity, glamour and refinement”, and they “actually were what made us think what we think we are” (Miller). It sometimes may have a unique appearance but it could be a powerful challenge to the public memory and hegemonic forces.

The First and Second World War have had an everlasting effect on numerous nations on the planet. One would not consider design patterns when contemplating the wars however, it was imperative to the ladies at the time. In the wake of investigating about style patterns amid the wars; I have understood that the business has been a continuous circle. Patterns from the past, for example, military coats or studs and spikes or splendid hues and dynamic patters have done a full circle and are back on pattern today.

World War II meant a decline in the economy and refraining from luxuries. The demand for supplies was a key factor in helping America win the war. Therefore, civilians were forced to sacrifice their nonessentials, with clothing and beauty products being the most difficult for women to eliminate from their lives. Therefore, women made efforts to keep fashion alive, even if it required endless creativity and thrifty tactics. Looking back on the war and how it sparked innovation and creativity, is shocking. Very few people would have expected the fashion industry to survive through World War II, let alone sky-rocket and change the way women dressed forever. Although women’s fashion was expected to fall along with the economy of World War II, the under-funded industry overcame the economic crisis against all odds. First, the pressure to conserve materials for the war guided women toward a more thrifty wardrobe. Secondly, women who took over the workforce changed their fashion styles for the sake of safety and practicality. Lastly, Cosmetics were re-designed to boost morale and allow women to express their femininity to counteract the masculine and man-like duties that women fulfilled during the war.

The political and economic crisis of the 1930’s strongly affected the way women dressed. The harsh situation in the country forced them to abandon fancy trends (in clothing, accessory, beauty department) in favor of the simplicity. Women quite often looked up to the glamorous Hollywood movie stars for fashion and beauty inspirations. However, the upcoming war stripped them of this sole way to escape the grim reality of day-to-day life. The hard times that emerged at the end of the 1930’s with the upcoming war on the horizon translated into simple and practical clothing.

Fashion has evolved over the past century and as culture and attitudes shift, the depiction of an era, as defined by fashion, directly impacts the decisions of what to wear. Fashion symbolizes the spirit of the times and throughout history, women have embodied every decade by distinctively making a statement with garments created by various top fashion designers. Due to the burdens of World War II, the early 1940’s was a time of conformity, regulation, and limited accessibility of basic needs for every citizen in the nation. Encouragement and support of the war effort in all ways possible and making the best of out what resources were available was expected and considered patriotic. Being in style was not necessarily top priority during the war years, however at the same time, fashion had a great influence on how people dressed.

Haulman is clear honest when she says that her study in this book is not of clothes and fashion, but of the general pieces of fashion during the time period and how it was used. Haulman explains that fashion “serves as a

Fashion reflects the attitudes of a society more than any other art form. Like art, fashion is a material record of the ideals that swayed the nations at the time of their creation. Through examining the styles, and tastes of a particular era, we can realize where the interests and priorities of a time lie. As Frank Parsons wrote in his 1920 study, The Psychology of Dress, "There is surly no better field in which to trace the devious paths of human thought than in that of clothes, where man has ever given free play to self expression, in a way which, thought not always a credit to his intelligence, is yet quite true to his innermost self, whether he will acknowledge it or

In the article “Fashion in the 1960s”, Paul Phipps describes the fashion trend and style of each year from 1960 to 1969. It mainly talks about the ‘trend’ of each year and how the ‘trend’ impacts art, music and problems. It contains how women were showing more skin than ever. They wore incredibly short skirts. The topless bathing suit also created lots of problems. A woman got arrested for wearing it in public. In the beginning of 1960s, the fashion was all bipolar. But later in the 1960s, people wore brightly colored, tie-dyed clothes. In 1950s, everyone was pressing themselves down, then they exploded in 1960s. Paul Phipps’ purpose of writing this article was to learn more about fashion in 1960s himself, but to let the readers know how fashion has evolved through the 1960s. Paul Phipps’ work is important because his article lets the readers to gain knowledge about the fashion through 1960 and 1969. Paul Phipps’ article describes how people’s fashion trend and the idea of fashion changes through time.

The fashion industry is rapidly growing and constantly generating new fashion trends almost weekly. Fashion for some may seem ridiculous and unnecessary; but fashion is not just a meaningless usage of article of clothing or farcical materials sew together for coverage. There is more to fashion than meets the eyes, fashion is precious and significant. It is a reflection of self-image, it speak the ream about who we are and how we review ourselves. Not only is fashion the reflection of self-image but also the reflection of our history as Coco Channel have said, “Fashion is not something that exist in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.” Fashion

The revolutionary clothing of women’s fashion in the 1920s not only shows itself in our modern era, but is a historical adjustment which changed the way that we view females today. In the 1920s, breathtaking changes in women’s fashion made its role into history. The clothing designers created a unique and elegant style that gave ladies a greater freedom of expression. With the new and colourful fabrics echoing, fashion designers’ vintage clothing became more and more popular and paved the way for what fashion has become today.

The Years between the 1950’s and 1960’s was an explosive time in fashion. The 50’s represented an out coming of the new generation. People began to gain their own personal style and appearance, influenced by films and singers (“Vintage Fashion”). Their styles incorporated leather, jeans, corduroy, and the ballet shoes for the girls. Men’s wear began to drastically change. Men would wear a leather jacket, with jeans that narrowed at the bottom, and a simple t-shirt (Peacock 210-211). This was the first time in history that jeans were not just worn by the working class but by all men (“Brief History”). The man’s lust for flesh grew during this time, so women’s skirts began to get shorter and the bikini was invented. Clothes were made to glorify the female body and emphasize every curve. It wasn’t until the Barbie doll was created in the late 50’s that young girls began to have a separate fashion from their mothers. Young girls would wear sweaters with full skirts or pants