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History of Women's Fashion

Interested in a little fashion history? Well let’s take a trip down memory lane and start with the eighteenth century. Dress of the eighteenth century is full of irregularities and oddities, however that century has changed into an icon within the historical past of style and fashion.

The straight skirt was the dominant shape of the 1920's, but flaring skirts have been additionally in trend. The modern silhouette continued to change for ladies from the bustle, which perched at the back of the costume, to the smooth traces of an hourglass shape by the close of the century.

The early 1940s style was dominated by the Americans, though many great designers comparable to Elsa Schiaparelli had left their native France and moved stateside to continue their work in the American market as it was more profitable at the time to do so and dreams were running high.

Then in 1947 Christian Dior completely changed the style industry, in addition to creating the look that has dominated time for the past half century

The early 1950's fashion world remained captivated by the French with Dior and Cristobel Balenciaga from Spain who based his Paris fashion home in 1937. Then, Pierre Cardin who was instrumental in helping Dior develop his series within the late 1940's and two more extremely popular names were added to the pack: Pierre Balmain and Hubert de Givenchy.

Designers held fashion shows two times annually, in London and New York, and the designers would trade designs so that both could showcase Western and English style and fashion. Then, cheaper – less extravagant models were rapidly produced and churned out like butter to the mass market for sale in the fashion world.

When Pop was born, the retro theme of the 60's, 70's and 80's arrived; mostly in the music industry. More importantly, the Beatles took it upon themselves to enthusiastically embrace the motion of the quilt – on the long lasting Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club. Ladies' apparel fashionistas were the glamorous girlfriends of famous musical pop acts such as the Rolling Stones, The Kings, and The Who.

Designers continued to hold their fashion shows and more of the styles we see today started hitting the shelves at speeds that nobody had anticipated whatsoever. Rapidly, the fashion industry was exploding and women were adding more and more accessories to their wardrobe all while experimenting with dramatically different hairstyles.

Then, some female fashion designs hit the main stage with their purses and accessories with names such as Chanel, Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Donna Karan and Dolce & Gabbana. The purse and handbag accessories have grown to become a necessity in today’s society.

There you have it! There is your primer on fashion history and how we arrived at the point where we are today. The 21st century features a surprising mixture of vintage, retro, and very experimental fashion styles. Almost no style is considered “out”. If you can make it work, then there is no reason to get rid of an of an older style. Just keep it and rock it!

 

About the Author

Sally Hamilton

Sally Hamilton

Sally Hamilton retired from the business world after 41 years as an administrator and Human Resource Manager. Now, she is focusing on the ever-growing fashion world. She is writing articles on different clothing and accessories to submit to sites. Sally has always been an advocate for animal cruelty and hopes that consumers will buy vegan leather and suede to fill their wardrobe instead of buying leather clothing that was made from the killing of live animals. Her website is devoted to vegan hobo purses.

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