Fashion History
Fashion can be influenced by many factors. This includes: world events, social class, religion, cultural preferences, and many others. From the 1920's to 2000's, fashion has reflected the mood of each decade and displayed the current changes in society.
1920-1940
During the 1920's, high hemlines and low waist lines were popular. This time period was called the "Roaring Twenties." Flapper dresses were in style and everybody was dressed exposing skin. As soon as the great depression struck in 1929, hemlines returned to a more conservative length. In the early 1930's, immediately following the Great Depression, Hollywood glamour became idolized. Nicer materials such as silk and chiffon were used to create evening gowns. In the 1940's, during World War II, luxurious fabrics were regulated and women's clothing was often made out of anything that could be found at home.
1950-1970
During the economic boom in the early 1950's, high fashion became more popular. Pencil skirts were most common along with a-line skirts. Dresses were knee length or tea length and often had lace accents. The 1960's included maxi skirts and shorter skirts and dresses. For the first time, colorful patterns began to make an appearance. This flowed into the 1970's where hippie fashion first began. This showcased more flowing dresses and shimmery fabrics.
1920-1940
During the 1920's, high hemlines and low waist lines were popular. This time period was called the "Roaring Twenties." Flapper dresses were in style and everybody was dressed exposing skin. As soon as the great depression struck in 1929, hemlines returned to a more conservative length. In the early 1930's, immediately following the Great Depression, Hollywood glamour became idolized. Nicer materials such as silk and chiffon were used to create evening gowns. In the 1940's, during World War II, luxurious fabrics were regulated and women's clothing was often made out of anything that could be found at home.
1950-1970
During the economic boom in the early 1950's, high fashion became more popular. Pencil skirts were most common along with a-line skirts. Dresses were knee length or tea length and often had lace accents. The 1960's included maxi skirts and shorter skirts and dresses. For the first time, colorful patterns began to make an appearance. This flowed into the 1970's where hippie fashion first began. This showcased more flowing dresses and shimmery fabrics.
1980-2000
In the 1980's, fashion became more professional as women joined the workforce. It also became highly influenced by music stars and movies. During the 1990's fashion became less dressy and more casual to reflect alternative music. Denim became big during this decade as well. In the 2000's, fashion began to repeat itself. Boho and hip hop styles were most common. Currently, fashion is still being recycled. All trends today are adopted from previous decades. There may be a little difference depending on the trends, but it has stayed very similar.
In the 1980's, fashion became more professional as women joined the workforce. It also became highly influenced by music stars and movies. During the 1990's fashion became less dressy and more casual to reflect alternative music. Denim became big during this decade as well. In the 2000's, fashion began to repeat itself. Boho and hip hop styles were most common. Currently, fashion is still being recycled. All trends today are adopted from previous decades. There may be a little difference depending on the trends, but it has stayed very similar.
The Global Fashion Market
Fashion is very fast-moving. It requires all apparel businesses to be on their toes at all times in order to keep up with the constant changes in trends; therefore, this line of business faces many challenges. This business also hosts some of the most rapid growing companies, which brings them to global scale. This is expected to generate double digit growth from now to 2020. Asian consumers are finally starting to see clothing as an expression of their lifestyle and has greatly contributed to this growth. Fashion shows are also apart of the apparel business' growth. They expose new high fashion clothing that causes the consumers to have interest and buy.
Conclusion
Previous decades have greatly influenced the fashion industry. The apparel business has grown rapidly over the years. Whether trends are set by historical events, social class, wordly events, or simply cultural beliefs, it all ties into the global fashion market. We can predict the changes in this market by analyzing data and using real time information. Through my internship, I had to analyze the store's information on a daily basis. This gave me a behind-the-scenes look at the business behind all of the clothing. I have learned so much through this opportunity and it has prepared me for what is to come in the future.