Misheel Ganzorig

Mr. Carlyle

English 4

7 March 2023

Significance of Music and Fashion Throughout History

Music and fashion are two of the most impactful and long-standing cultural phenomenons

in the world. Throughout the beginning of human civilization, music has played a significant

role in storytelling and expression; while fashion has long been a crucial part of human

adornment and a significant factor in the development of cultural identity. The two industries

however did not begin to cross over and influence one another until the early 20th century. The

rise of new musical genres, such as jazz and rock and roll, coincided with the emergence of new

fashion trends, like hippie and disco, creating a strong relationship between the two. For

example, the hippie movement of the 1960s elevated this link to new heights by merging music

and fashion in a counterculture movement that opposed accepted social norms. Music and

fashion have a huge impact on society today, influencing how individuals express themselves

and interact with one another as well as the way that mass media is shaped.

The influence of jazz music on fashion during the 1920s sparked a revolution in the way

people expressed themselves, reflecting the changing attitudes of youth and the rejection of

traditional values. The Jazz era emerged as a significant social, political, and cultural change.

Jazz music arose as a new form of music that reflected the changing attitudes of youth and was

seen as a symbol of rebellion against the traditional values and expectations of society. Young
people instantly embraced this new musical genre and made it the decade's soundtrack. During

the 1920s, jazz music had a big influence on fashion, women's dress in particular saw a big

change. Shorter, looser dresses that allowed for more movement have taken the place of the

conventional corseted garment. The flapper dress developed into a representation of the strong,

modern woman. It was a homage to the new jazz, with its beaded details and shorter hemlines.

This look was far from the traditional and conservative apparel of the past. Women started

expressing themselves through their dress and makeup as they also started wearing shorter

hairstyles and more daring makeup. The 1920s was truly a significant time for music and fashion

culture. The fashion of the day represented the young people's changing perspectives and their

rejection of their parents' traditional values. Jazz music served as a metaphor for this revolution,

and so did the clothing. Meanwhile, jazz was not just about music and fashion, it was a

significant moment in the history of black Americans. Jazz culture and music continue to

empower black people and advance social justice today. Jazz music has inspired and influenced a

wide range of music genres, including rock and roll, hip hop, and modern jazz, and it remains a

symbol of black excellence and achievement. Typical gender stereotypes, individuality and

self-identity have also been shaped by jazz culture.

In the 1950s, Rock and roll emerged as a new music style that reflected the rebellious

attitudes of young people. This was considered a threat to traditional values, and it quickly

became the soundtrack of youth rebellion. In the beginning many people “had on flapper fashion,

most fashion houses ignored teens and only catered to adult tastes. Thankfully, this all changed

in the 1950s, with the advent of television and movies, and of course, as music became more

widely available to the public.“(Antonia Sardone). Social standards faced a significant change in
the 50s as music and fashion began questioning traditional beliefs and norms. Young people

started to oppose the conformity of their parents' generation by embracing new, subversive styles

and attitudes. With its rapid rhythms and daring lyrics, rock and roll music became popular and

came to represent rebellion against the conventional, traditional customs of the era. Similar to

how new fashion trends like denim jeans, leather jackets, and brightly colored apparel, which

were previously connected to working-class or subcultural communities, became a way to

express uniqueness and reject conventional norms.. “At the time, rock and roll music was not

supported by parents, was detested by religious groups, and was disliked by the government.”

(Melanie Rogers). While the mainstream fashion of the time emphasized conformity and

modesty, many young people rejected this and instead embraced more daring and unconventional

styles. This style was popularized by icons like James Dean, Elvis Presley, and Marlon Brando.

The fashion of the time reflected the rebel spirit of rock and roll, and the music reflected the

fashion vice versa. During a time of political and social turmoil, particularly in the United States,

the hippie movement of the 1960s had a profound effect on society. The movement arose in

reaction to what were seen as current social and political injustices, such as the Vietnam War,

racism, sexism, and the conservative ideals of the dominant society. As a reaction to the political

and social instability of the time, the movement became a revolutionary phenomenon. Hippies

promoted peace, love, and freedom by rejecting conventional values and embracing alternative

lifestyles. Particularly, the hippie movement's anti-war marches and protests helped to energize

opposition to the Vietnam War and led to the ultimate end of the conflict. In opposition to the

government's violent actions, the hippies' emphasis on peace, love, and nonviolence contributed

to the development of a counter culture.The hippie movement was intimately associated with
music and style because these mediums were used to express and identify themselves. Hippie

clothing was loose-fitting, colorful, and had psychedelic patterns with a focus on natural fabrics

such as cotton and hemp. Hippies were fond of tie-dye shirts, bell-bottom pants, and sandals.

Hippie culture was heavily influenced by music, with psychedelic rock groups like The Grateful

Dead, Jimi Hendrix, and The Doors emerging as icons of the sixties. Jazz, folk, and blues were

usually incorporated into the experimental, unstructured style of music that defined the era.

Songs like "Blowin' in the Wind" by Bob Dylan and "All You Need Is Love" by The Beatles

served as anthems for the movement, which promoted social justice and peace. Unfortunately,

the movement eventually slowed down in the early 1970s,but its legacy is still celebrated today

in the form of individuality, social justice, and artistic expression. These ideas continue to

motivate younger generations to improve the world, and music and fashion are still powerful

tools for cultural growth and self-expression.

The 1970s was a pivotal era for self-expression, providing a platform for individuals to

reveal their unique identities and perspectives. In particular,the rights of the LGBTQ+

community have significantly changed since the 1970s, with many gains made in the areas of

legal recognition, social acceptance, and political representation. Early in the 1970s, glam rock

began to take off, led by artists like David Bowie, Marc Bolan, and Queen. The flashy stage

performances, hard-driving guitar riffs, and new vocals that defined the generation's music. But

what really defined the movement was its aesthetic. Platform shoes, sparkly outfits, and dramatic

makeup were all trademarks of the extravagant and dramatic glam rock style. Particularly known

for his androgynous look and often changing personas, Bowie influenced a generation of young

people to embrace their individuality and to not be afraid to go against norms. Disco music,
especially in the LGBTQ+ community, was very essential to creating a sense of belonging and

acceptance. Throughout the 1970s, a lot of gay clubs and discos developed became havens for

LGBTQ+ people who had to deal with prejudice and persecution somewhere else in society.

Disco music served as the soundtrack for these places, and the music's beats and rhythms

encouraged people to interact on the dance floor. “It gave a powerful platform to artists of color

who were often female or gay – perhaps that’s why it attracted such hostility” (Arwa

Haider).This highlights the intersectional nature of the opposition to the rise of disco music in the

1970s. Disco music gave a platform to artists of color, who were often marginalized in other

music genres, as well as to individuals who were female or gay. The increased visibility and

representation of these communities through disco music may have threatened traditional gender

and racial norms, leading to hostility and backlash from some segments of society. The vibrant,

bold clothing inspires people to express themselves and the funky music gets people moving.

The impact can still be seen in modern music and fashion, as designers and artists continue to be

inspired by the risk-taking image of the 1970s. Moving forward to the mid 70s, disco ruled the

radio and motivated people to hit the dance floor dressed in bold, colorful clothes. Disco fashion

became defined by flared pants, platform shoes, and sparkly garments, which symbolized the

time's celebration of dance, music, and joy. Designers like Halston and Diane von Furstenberg

made clothing that was both stylish and practical for dancing as a result of the impact of disco

music on the fashion industry. The disco period has continued to have an impact on fashion, with

creators and fashion houses drawing inspiration from the extravagant and vibrant looks of the

1970s. Similar to how the music of the disco period continues to impact modern music, artists

like Bruno Mars and Daft Punk incorporate disco-inspired sounds into their music by sampling
old disco tracks. Overall it may be said, the 1970s were a transitional decade that witnessed

notable advancements in the acceptance of marginalized cultures and more self-expression.

Particularly the LGBTQ+ community benefited from this time period as the popularity of glam

rock and disco gave them a stage for acceptance and self-expression. The LGBTQ+ community

today has legal recognition, social acceptance, and political representation thanks in part to these

cultural movements. The bold and adventurous attitude of the 1970s continues to influence

designers and artists today, and its influence may also be seen in music today, fashion, and

popular culture. Ultimately, the 1970s played a significant role in shaping modern society and

inspiring future generations to embrace their distinctive identities and viewpoints.

The 80s new wave, punk, and post-punk scenes were renowned for their distinctiveness,

influenced heavily by the music of the era, fashion sense. The goal of this generation's fashion

was to empower individuals to express their individuality and deviance via fashion. Primarily the

punk movement was recognized for its anti-establishment message, which was reflected in the

clothing worn by its believers. Popular punk fashion essentials were leather jackets, torn

clothing, and studded accessories,“their sartorial choices were always geared towards handmade

items like leather jackets, brightly colored hair, piercings and anything that looked different from

typical mainstream”(Antonia Sardone). These styles incorporated elements of DIY fashion, with

fans almost always customizing and altering their clothing to achieve an original look. In an

interview with Enerel Bat who is a Mongolian musician that started out in the 80s was asked a

few questions. The interview was conducted in native Mongolian language. The following

interview is translated for easier understanding: Do you think there are certain music genres that

have a stronger connection to fashion than others? If so, why? “I can say that I always felt a deep
connection to certain kinds of music, especially heavy metal and punk rock. Coming from

Mongolia in the 80s, we faced many economic hardships, and music served as a way out for me

and many others. The leather jackets, combat boots, and wild hairstyles were all part of the look

we wanted to achieve. We wanted to stand out from the mainstream and fashion was one of the

ways we could express our individuality.". How do you think social media has changed music

and fashion? “Well, when I was a teenager, social media was just a pipe dream. We didn't have

the luxury of reaching a global audience so easily. Fashion was still important, of course, but it

wasn't as big a part of the music industry as it is now. But these days, things have changed a lot.

Social media has given musicians the ability to reach fans all over the world, and fashion has

become even more important in the industry. It's not just about looking good on stage anymore -

musicians need to think about their image and their brand all the time. And you know, I have to

say, I think it's a good thing. It's great to see musicians getting recognition not just for their

music, but for their sense of style and their overall image. And with social media, it's easier than

ever for musicians to connect with fans and collaborate with fashion brands and designers.”.

Overall, The punk movement of the 1980s was an opportunity for youth to express themselves

and stand out from the crowd through their choice of clothing. As seen in the interview with

Enerel Bat, these styles were a reflection of the cultural and economic environment of the time.

The combat boots, crazy hairstyles, and leather jackets worn by punks were an expression of

their uniqueness and rage against society as well as a rejection of the conventional fashion

industry. Likewise, the colorful and experimental fashion of new wave artists allowed them to

showcase their creativity and desire for freedom. Enerel Bat's interview brought attention to the

intimate connection between music and fashion, especially in certain genres. Bat discussed the
significance of clothes in the punk and heavy metal movements. Bat also pointed out that fashion

was about developing a distinct brand and image that fans could relate to, not just about looking

nice on stage. Youth culture and the fashion business both benefited greatly from the interaction

between music and fashion in the 1980s, which was a defining characteristic of both. The

anti-establishment stance of the punk movement served as a good illustration of how music and

dress came together. Punks rejected mainstream fashion and used DIY fashion to forge a distinct

identity for themselves. They used clothing as a medium for self-expression. The new wave

movement, in contrast, saw artists experimenting with bold choices that showed their desire for

individuality and innovation. Enerel Bat's interview, in which he emphasized the relevance of the

connection between music and fashion. Today, this relationship has only grown stronger, with

social media amplifying its importance. Musicians use fashion to create a distinct brand and

image, with collaborations between musicians and fashion brands becoming increasingly

common.

One of the most significant cultural shifts of the 1990s was the rise of alternative music,

which challenged the mainstream and gave a voice to marginalized communities."Alternative

music provided a platform for people who felt alienated by mainstream culture. It gave them a

sense of community and belonging that they couldn't find elsewhere." - music journalist Jon

Pareles.The emergence of alternative music in the 1990s was a significant cultural shift that

challenged the mainstream and paved the way for the expression of marginalized communities.

As Pareles noted, this musical genre provided a platform for those who felt alienated by

mainstream culture to connect with others who shared similar experiences and perspectives. The

importance of this connection cannot be overstated as it has allowed individuals who may have
previously felt isolated or misunderstood to feel a sense of community and belonging. Moreover,

the rise of alternative music reflected a wider societal shift in attitudes towards what was

considered acceptable and mainstream. Before the 1990s, popular music was largely dominated

by polished, commercialized genres like pop, rock and hip-hop, with little room for

unconventional sounds or subcultures. With the advent of alternative music, a wider spectrum of

voices and perspectives began to emerge that challenged the notion that mainstream culture was

the only valid form of cultural expression. Another significant cultural change of the 1990s was

the emergence of the internet, which has since transformed virtually every aspect of society."The

internet revolutionized the way we communicate and access information, making it easier than

ever before to connect with people from all over the world."- Mark Cuban. The Internet, which

has since transformed virtually every aspect of society “ has revolutionized the way we

communicate and access information, making it easier than ever to connect with people around

the world .-Mark Cuban Mark Cuban' highlights how the internet has changed the way we

communicate and access information, making it easier than ever to connect with people around

the world. The Internet has made communication easier and has made it possible to interact with

people in real time from virtually anywhere in the world. This has had significant implications

for the way we do business, stay informed and entertain ourselves. The Internet has opened up

new channels for trade, created new industries, and transformed existing ones. It has enabled

businesses of all sizes to reach global audiences, break down geographic barriers and create new

opportunities for growth. The rise of e-commerce has fundamentally changed the way we buy

and purchase goods and services, making it possible to buy almost anything online and have it

delivered to our doorstep. The 1990s thus witnessed significant cultural changes that have a
lasting impact on society. The rise of alternative music and the emergence of the Internet were

two of the most significant shifts of this era. Alternative music challenged the mainstream and

gave voice to marginalized communities, giving them a sense of community and belonging that

they couldn't find elsewhere. The Internet has revolutionized the way we communicate and

access information, making it easier than ever to connect with people around the world,

transforming virtually every aspect of society in the process. These two cultural changes reflect a

wider shift in societal attitudes towards what was considered acceptable and mainstream,

opening up new avenues for expression, connection and commerce. The legacy of these changes

continues to shape the cultural and social landscape of the world today.

The 2000s saw an extraordinary variety of music genres, including pop, rap, RnB, rock,

and alternative, each contributing to the musical richness. Iconic artists like Britney Spears,

Eminem, Beyoncé and Justin Timberlake not only topped the charts, but also shaped the

soundscape of the era. Their music reflected the aspirations, emotions and values ​of the era and

resonated with their audience. 21st century fashion was characterized by a fusion of styles that

embraced both individuality and trends. Low-rise jeans, trucker hats, velvet slip-ons and

oversized accessories became the symbol of the era. During that period, the fashion choices of

individuals were expressions of identity and cultural belonging. The music and fashion of the

21st century reflected the attitudes and values ​of society. The rise of pop artists like Britney

Spears showed an emphasis on youth, sexuality and fame. The popularity of rap and RnB

reflected the growing influence of urban culture. The influence of 21st century music and fashion

on contemporary culture is undeniable. Many artists and designers today draw inspiration from

this era and incorporate its styles, sounds and aesthetics into their work. The 21st century has left
an indelible mark on today's society through music and fashion. The artistic influence of this era

not only shaped our cultural landscape, but also promoted identity and self-expression. In

addition, the economic importance of the 21st century was characterized by the rise of celebrity

culture and the expansion of the fashion industry, which contributed to economic growth. When

we recognize and appreciate the social impact of the 21st century, we gain a deeper

understanding of our cultural heritage and the interaction between art, fashion and the economy.

Throughout history, music and fashion have always been influential cultural phenomena

that shaped human expression, identity and social norms. Their impact on society was profound

and their interaction created a dynamic relationship that is constantly evolving. From the jazz age

of the 1920s to the punk and alternative movements of the 1970s and 1990s, music and fashion

have reflected and influenced social change, breaking boundaries and challenging the status quo.

Acknowledging the intertwining of music and fashion is important for historical understanding,

identity formation, social change, economic growth, and appreciation of creativity. By

recognizing their significance, we foster inclusivity, encourage dialogue, and celebrate the

transformative power of these cultural phenomena.

Work cited

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