Fashion icons have been influential throughout history, and their styles have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. They have set the tone for what’s considered fashionable, and their styles have become timeless classics. They have also been a source for inspiration for designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world. In this article, we will discuss the significance of fashion icons through the decades.
1920s – Flappers like Coco Chanel
The 1920s were a time of change, and so was fashion. This decade saw a shift from the traditional corseted look to more liberated and comfortable clothing. Flappers like Coco Chanel are credited with popularizing the “boyish look” with short haircuts, baggy dresses, and the iconic little black dress. Chanel also introduced the use of jersey fabric in women’s clothing, which was previously only used for men’s undergarments.
1930s – Hollywood actresses like Marlene Dietrich
The 1930s Hollywood glamour was all about long gowns, dramatic silhouettes, and luxurious fabrics. Actresses like Marlene Dietrich, Greta Garbo, and Joan Crawford were the epitome of glamour and sophistication. Their styles were all about elegance, with high necklines, long sleeves, and intricate beading. The 1930s fashion was all about creating a lasting impression, and these actresses did just that.
1940s – The WWII era
The 1940s was a difficult time for fashion, as World War II influenced fashion heavily. The women of this era had to adapt to clothing shortages, rationing, and fabric restrictions. Hemlines became shorter, and shoulder pads were introduced to create a more masculine silhouette. Utility clothing was also popular during the war, and women wore trousers and overalls for work.
1950s The rise of Dior
The 1950s was a decade of prosperity, and fashion reflected that. Christian Dior’s new look revolutionized fashion, with his full skirts, nipped-in waists, and accentuated hips. Dior’s designs were an instant success and influenced fashion for the rest of the decade. This was also the era of Marilyn Monroe, and her iconic dresses have become synonymous with 1950s fashion.
1960s – The mod era
The 1960s marked a radical departure from the previous decade, with the rise of mod fashion. The mod subculture was all about being young, modern, and ahead of the curve. The mod look consisted of mini-skirts, shift dresses, bold prints, and geometric shapes. Twiggy, the British model, was the face of mod fashion, and her boyish figure and short pixie haircut became iconic.
1970s – The disco era
The 1970s were all about disco, and fashion reflected that. This was the era of platform shoes, bell-bottoms, and jumpsuits. Women’s clothing was all about bold colors, shiny fabric, and both men and women rocked the glitter and the high-waisted trousers. Donna Summer, the queen of disco, was a major style icon, and her outfits inspired many.
1980s – The power dressing era
The 1980s were all about power dressing, with women emulating men’s suits and accessories with a feminine twist. Shoulder pads were bigger than ever, and women wore power suits, with oversized blazers and high-waisted trousers. Joan Collins, the star of the hit TV show, Dynasty, was the epitome of power dressing, and her character’s wardrobe inspired many.
In conclusion, fashion icons have played an essential role in shaping the fashion industry throughout history. They have inspired many designers and fashion enthusiasts, and their styles have stood the test of time. We can still see their influence in modern-day fashion, and their legacy continues to inspire new generations of fashion lovers.
