In this article, I want to take a look at key moments in fashion history that changed both how we dress and how we think about clothes. So, let’s get into it, here are 4 fashion trends that shaped history.
Miniskirts
No item of clothing captures the revolutionary spirit of the sixties better than the miniskirt. Deliberately provocative, it caused uproar and was even banned for being distasteful. It was deemed unseemly for women to wear, which only seemed to fuel its popularity and its coolness. Also, the miniskirt, and the protests around it, came to signify something more than just fashion. It came to signify the way in which the sixties represented a break from traditional morals and a new sense of liberation and freedom for women.
Sunglasses
Finally, another classic fashion piece – sunglasses. Sunglasses as we know them today originated in the US military as a way of providing soldiers, sailors and pilots with a way of protecting their eyes from the sun’s glare. However, it was when they began to be sold to beach goers on the boardwalk of Atlantic City that sunglasses really took off. The final step that lead to their mass appeal though came when they were adopted by the glitz and glamor of Hollywood.
Nowadays, sunglasses’ coolness shoes no sign of abating. For a modern and unique take on these timeless classics, these days you can create your own custom printed sunglasses. Check out usimprints selection.
Bikinis
A similar story of moral outrage follows the invention of the bikini. Designed by Louis Réard in 1946, the idea for the bikini was that it was comfortable and used much less material than swimming costumes of the time did. This was important, because France at the time had strict rationing of materials following the Second World War.
The design sparked controversy almost immediately, with the Catholic Church and the media both decrying it as scandalous. However, over time attitudes softened. Much like the miniskirt, the bikini has come to symbolize the increased freedoms that women fought for and won throughout the twentieth century.
The Sneaker
Moving away from moral outrage, the sneaker represent a huge change in fashion. Rubber soled shoes designed for sport had existed since the late 1800s, however they were always seen as functional rather than fashionable. The rise of the sneaker as fashionable footwear represents a larger trend of modern fashion – the rise of sports clothing as fashionable casual wear. This is a booming trend right now, with athleisure the hottest new thing.
It was not until the 1950s that sports shoes were worn as fashion pieces, with converse leading the way as young Americans wore their baseball shoes in a show of rebellion at restrictive and formal fashions of the time. Then, as running grew in popularity, companies like Adidas and Nike also grew to become household names. Nowadays, running and gym culture have become more than pastimes, they are now cool, meaning that the sneaker trend is certainly not going anywhere any time soon!
Conclusion
Four fashion pieces that changed the world of fashion and also played a part in changing attitudes and cultures too. The exciting thing about fashion is that it will continue developing and throwing out new and exciting ideas, so who knows what will come next!