Decades of Fashion

1900-1910

Fashion in the 1900s was very influenced by Queen Victoria. Her most influential piece of fashion was her wedding dress to her cousin, Albert. Her dress was made from satin and lace which started the trend towards wedding gowns. The corset was a massive iconic piece of fashion during the early 1900s. It was used to emphasise the silhouette of the body and bring out the fullness of the skirt with the women's tiny waist. One corset that was particularly popular was the Edwardian Corset. The straight-front corset was worn in the 1900s and early 1910. This corset forced the torso forward and made the hips move out in the back. The suffragettes and suffragists movement was a very important historical period during the 1990s. Emmeline Pankhurt, the leader of the Suffragettes, wanted women to have the right to vote. The Suffragettes were a group of women who used violent methods in them achieving the right to vote. These methods include chaining themselves to rails outside Parliament and throwing bricks through the windows. Emily Davidson, a member of the Suffragettes, committed suicide by throwing herself in front of the Kings horse. She was a martyr - dying for what she believes in. Jeanne Paquin, was a very famous designer during the 1900s. She introduced the Empire - line dress in 1906. She was also the first person to organise the first true fashion show in London.

1910-1920

Between the years of 1910-1920, the world of fashion began to change and loosen up. The corset began to fade away and women began to wear much looser clothing and underwear garments. Designer, Paul Poiret was a massive influence in loosening up women's fashion. Poiret's most famous piece was a 'fancy dress costume' in 1911 which was a full length jumpsuit This piece was very outrageous at the time as women wearing trousers was not right, but then was eventually accepted. World War 1 broke out in 1914-1918. Many women started to take on the mens jobs in factories. The first women police officers were served in WW1 and employment in transport rose from 9,000 to 50,000. Because of women taking on mens jobs, it changed the way women dresses. They wore more pratical clothes, uniforms and trousers and wearing long dresses and corsets were impossible to work in.

1920-1930

The Jazz Age was very popular in the USA after the Great Depression. Dresses were very loose and were much shorter to be able to dance to. The dresses waist line started on their hips which influenced fashion everywhere. The iconic flapper look is very famous when referring to the 1920s. The 1920s was a massive social change for women with the first world war changing fashion and working life, women being able to vote, and also went out more and became sociable with the world. The flapper dresses were knee length and very loose. They included beaded sequins, lace, fringe, chiffon, satin, shiny fabrics, uneven hem lines and peter pan collars. These dresses purposely hid a women's curves. A black bob was very iconic to add onto this classic look. Stockings, nation or velvet gloves were the finishing touches to the flapper look.

Art Deco was influenced in fashion with the geometric designs inspired from Japanese and Egyptian art.

Iconic fashion icons were Coco Chanel, late 1920s. Chanel led the trend to a flatter, corset free bust, a streamlined silhouette with no waistline. She also popularised trousers for women. Her most iconic item is her, 'Little Black Dress', 1927, and is still a massive piece of fashion to this day. Louise Brooks, 1927 - She popularised the bob and got women to see how they can pull off trousers, not just men, Dorothy Mackail, 1927 - As trousers became a trend and accepted, she wore a full tuxedo on set of The Crystal Cup which made a statement that women can wear male clothing.

1930-1940

The loose, dropped waist and the high knee hem from the 1920s completely faded away and a mroe fitted style with a natural waistline came in. The 1930s were very popular for having different types of dresses - the house dress, afternoon dress and evening gowns. The house dress, was a very casual dress that was only worn at home. They were very basic dresses that would be a plain colour or bold prints.

The afternoon dress was a much smarter dress compared to the house dress. They were normally made from silk and would have much more details on them. They would have puffed sleeves, belted waists, and large collars. The evening gowns were very fitted especially in the waist. The dresses were normally made from chiffon, silk, and satin which would create the elegance of the dress. The backless dress was a classic dress in the 30s. Designer, Gilbert Adrian, was a famous costume designer in the 30s. He famously designed costumes for the 1939 film, The Wizard of Oz. In 1933, Hitler became chancellor of Germany. Nazi propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, created a mini war against Jews. The Nazi smashed Jewish shop window.s Jews were beaten, raped, arrested and murdered. This horrific night was known as The Night of the Broken Glass.

1940-1950

1940s was a decade many can't forget. With the Second World War, it lead to food and clothing rationing so many fabrics weren't available. World War 2 was a massive change for the whole world. Women had to take on mens jobs in transport, factories and farming. Rationing was massive in Britain. Rationing was introduced to give everyone a hair and same amount of food. Because of rationing, dresses were made with cheaper materials. Transport wasn't popular which lead to more people cycling. More women started to cycle which led to their skirts getting shorter. During the World War, the Nazis opened up the Auschwitz concentration camp. Auschwitz was the largest Nazi camp ever and they killed up to 1.1 million Jews. Designers, Christian Dior, was very popular in the 40s. After the war, women were fed up of wearing uniforms and they wanted something different. Dior's New Look in 1947, emphasised the bust, waist and hips. Skirts became much fuller with the helping on netting. Rita Hayworth, was a massive style icon. Her looks made her a sex symbol. She was known for her wide legged trousers, and monochrome flat. Also her famous black satin gown from her striptease scene in 'Gold' 1946.

1950-1960

1950s fashion was unforgettable. It was a very fun sense of style. The iconic 50s look was the swing dress, swimsuits, and ballet flats. The 50s fashion was an introduction to many styles. The end of the war was Haute Couture with Christian Dior and Cristóbal Balenciaga. The 50s also saw a change in family life, women turned back into becoming housewives. The waistline was a major issue in the 50s. Some women really liked the fitted style of Dior dresses, and others liked dresses with no waistline, known as the 'sack dress.' With the ending of the war in 1949, the 50s had to deal with post war destruction. They wanted to rebuild communities with more entertainment which lead to musicals becoming popular. Marilyn Monroe was a massive icon in the 50s. 'Gentleman Prefer Blondes' in 1953, launched her career. She is the most recognisable fashion and beauty icons and was also a massive sex symbol. Audrey Hepburn, was another massive icon. Her Little Black Dress, she wore in the classic, 'Breakfast at Tiffanys' was the most iconic fashion moment in movie history. She was also known for her effortless style and boyish haircut. Hollywood legend, James Dean, was a massive actor in the 50s. He appeared in many tv shows before making him big break by getting the leading role in, 'Eats of Eden' in 1955. On September 30th 1955, Dean was driving his new Porsche Spyder, when he was involved in a head on collision with a Ford Tutor. He was only 24 when he died. He is remembered for being a talented, misunderstood, rebellious symbol.

1960-1970

The 60s were full of different trends that broke many fashion traditions. Mary Quant invented the mini skirt in 1964 and Jackie Kennedy made the pillbox hat popular. The 60s were full of prints, colours and patterns. In 1964, French designer, André Couurèges, introduced the 'space look' - trouser suits, white boots, goggles and box-shaped dresses. The Mods strongly influenced London fashion. They worked normal 9-5 jobs, leaving time for clothes and clubbing. 1964 was when they were really noticed and women were accepted. Girls had short hair and dresses in similar styles to male Mods. The Mods look was clean and classy. They wore tailored suits, slim fitted shirts that were unbuttoned. Their rival group was The Rockers, they loved heavy rock music and wore leather jackets, greased back hair, and had motorbikes. In 1967, it was known as the hippie year. Women and men wore frayed bell-bottomed jeans, tie-dyed skirts, and headbands. Sandals were big in the Hippie look and many women wouldn't wear any footwear. Jacqueline Kennedy was a massive style icon in the 60s. Her pillbox hat was iconic and designed by Halston. She was also iconic for her Chanel suit that she made famous.

Singer Cher, was also very iconic in the 60s. She was known for her outrageous stage outfits. She made bell-bottomed jeans and fluorescent haltered shirts in style. November 22nd 1963, President John F. Kennedy, was assassinated by Lee Harvey Oswald. He was on a visit to Texas. He was shot in the throat then the head. He later died from his wounds.

1970-1980

The 70s was often called the 'Me Decade'. The mini skirt, bell bottoms, and the hippie look from the late 60s became one of the iconic decades for fashion. The maxi dress was worn throughout the 70s in different styles, lengths, and shapes. Skirts varied in lengths - mini, midi, and maxi. Blue denim jeans was a massive iconic item in the 70s. Jeans were flared, bell bottom, wide legged and high waists were all the popular styles. Not everyone wanted the hippie look and many women still wore very glamours clothes inspired by 40s glamour. 70s trends included fitted blazers, long and short dresses, mini skirts, hot pants, his and her outfits, and flared trousers. Mid 70s, the Hippie look, has faded away, and the casual look became more popular. T-Shirts were no longer classes as underwear and was worn all the time. Women wore sweaters, t-shirts, cardigans, and kimonos. The disco look was also popular in the late 70s. Diane Von Füstenberg's jersey wrap dress was very iconic as it fitted any shape and size. By 1976, she sold over 5million dresses worldwide. In 1979, Margret Thatcher, was the first female Prime Minister of the UK. She is known for her conservative and economic policies.

1980-1990

80s fashion was different to other decades because of it's creativity. Early 80s were very subdued colours - browns, tans, and oranges. Early 80s fashion was very similar to the late 70s. MTV had a massive impact on fashion. Teenagers were watching music videos and saw widely dresses celebrities and got inspired from them. Shoulder pads returned to fashion and were much bigger than before. Everyone in the 80s wore them. Late 80s, they eventually got smaller again. Big hair and crazy makeup is a classic look for the 80s. There was no such thing as having your hair too big. Fitness wear was iconic in the 80s. Jane Fonda was very famous for her exercise wear. She wore a neon leotard and leg warmers in her exercise videos and this look inspired women to sport this look. Calvin Klein, was one of the many successful fashion designers in the 80s. His most famous designs were his denim and underwear. Ralph Lauren, created the 'pretty' style of the 80s. His brand 'Polo' was popular and a classic look for teenagers. Michael Jackson, released his album, 'Thriller', in 1982. A year later, he released the 'Thriller' music video. They video included the now famous zombie dance. Michael changed the music industry forever and this success gave him the name of, 'The King of Pop.'

1990-2000

The early 90s style was all about the grunge look. The grunge style was loved by both male and females. The look was flannel shirts, ripped jeans, mom jean,s band shirts, and Doc Martins. In 1994, the grunge look was completely ignored and fashion became feminine again. Popular fabrics were satin, matallics, sequins, and silk. The classic look was the black slip dress over a tight white shirt. In the 90s, the 'casual chic' look was very iconic. Spaghetti top, tracksuits and denim jeans with Adidas and Nike trainers were very popular with everyone. Hip-hop and rap music was becoming popular in the late 90s. They would wear big jacket, baggy clothes, big earrings, and snapback. This was influenced by Tu-Pac and MC Hammer. Alexander McQueen, was an iconic fashion designer in the 90s. He became head designer at Givenchy in 1997. McQueen created the low cut waist trouser, 'bumsters' which was iconic during the 90s. August 31st 1997, Princess Diana died in a car accident. She was travelling with her boyfriend, chauffeur and bodyguard when the car crashed. Her boyfriend and chauffeur were pronounced dead on the scene. She passed away on the operating table. Her bodyguard survived. The news of her death shocked the world.