1990s in fashion

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From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
 Example of 1990s men's and women's fashion, 1994

Bob cuts were favored by women. (Saffron, 1996)

Fashion in the 1990s was defined by a return to minimalist fashion,[1] in contrast to the
more elaborate and flashy trends of the 1980s. One notable shift was the mainstream
adoption of tattoos,[2] body piercings aside from ear piercing[3] and, to a much lesser
extent, other forms of body modification such as branding.
In the early 1990s, several late 1980s fashions remained very stylish among men and
women. However, the popularity of grunge and alternative rock music helped bring the
simple, unkempt grunge look to the mainstream by that period. This approach to fashion
led to the popularization of the casual chic look, which included T-shirts, jeans, hoodies,
and sneakers, a trend which would continue into the 2000s. Additionally, fashion trends
throughout the decade recycled styles from previous decades,[4] most notably the 1950s,
1960s and 1970s.
Unlike the 1980s, when fashion with volume was commonplace, the 1990s was more
characterized as time when fashion was decidedly low maintenance.[5] The 1990s was
also time when more people began to value fashion as an intellectual form.[6] During this
period, alternative fashion strategies become part of the commercial format.
[7]
Resistance to generally accepted fashion trends became one of the basic principles of
fashion in the 1990s.[8] Elements of deconstruction in costume became an important
element of commercial fashion.[9]
Due to increased availability of the Internet[10] and satellite television outside the United
States, plus the reduction of import tariffs under NAFTA, fashion became
more globalized[11] and homogeneous in the late 1990s[12] and early 2000s.[13][14]
Women's fashion[edit]
Early 1990s (1990–1992)[edit]

Actress Paula Abdul wearing semi-transparent black dress,

curled hair and smoky eye makeup, 1990. Young woman

standing on sidewalk, Uptown New Orleans, 1992.
Supermodels and high fashion[edit]

 Throughout the 1990s, supermodels dominated the fashion industry.[15] The top
models of the 1990s were Nadja Auermann, Tyra Banks, Christie Brinkley, Carla
Bruni, Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Cindy Crawford, Karen Elson, Linda
Evangelista, Yasmeen Ghauri, Bridget Hall, Shalom Harlow, Eva Herzigova, Michele
Hicks, Kirsty Hume, Milla Jovovich, Yasmin Le Bon, Audrey Marnay, Kristen
McMenamy, Kate Moss, Karen Mulder, Carolyn Murphy, Nadège, Erin
O'Connor, Kirsten Owen, Tatjana Patitz, Maggie Rizer, Claudia Schiffer, Stephanie
 Seymour, Tatiana Sorokko, Stella Tennant, Christy Turlington, Amber
Valletta, Guinevere Van Seenus, Alek Wek, and Amy Wesson.[16]
 One of the most influential group of models during the early 1990s was the Big Five,
whose fame and social power allegedly surpassed that of many movie stars. The
Big Five consisted of supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy
Turlington, Linda Evangelista and Tatjana Patitz. Whether booked as individuals or
as an elite group, each supermodel gained worldwide success and had great
influence on the fashion industry. Naomi Campbell was the first black woman to
grace the cover of French Vogue, Time, and American Vogue's September issue.
Cindy Crawford was the highest paid model on the planet in 1995 per Forbes.
Christy Turlington was known for being a reliable model who garnered over 500
covers during her career and most notably, signed a contract with Maybelline for an
annual fee of $800,000 for twelve days' work. Linda Evangelista was known as the
industry's "chameleon" for her ability to suit a multitude of styles. Evangelista also
infamously coined the phrase, "We don't wake up for less than $10,000 a day."
Tatjana Patitz, the last of the Big Five, continues to be regarded as one of the
"original supermodels" and even after her retirement, she remains in demand
periodically by such designer houses as Jean-Paul Gaultier and Chanel. Later in the
decade, Tatjana was replaced in the Big Five by supermodel Claudia Schiffer, who
is one of the most successful supermodels in the world, holding the record for the
most magazine covers according to The Guinness Book of World Records.[citation needed]
 Later in the decade, the rise of Kate Moss shifted the world of fashion when her
entrance onto the scene turned the Big Five into the Big Six. Kate Moss became
one of the Nineties' biggest phenomena when, at 14 years of age, she was
discovered at JFK Airport. Her waif-like figure set a new fashion standard that
became known as "heroin chic". This was a pale and ghostly look that called for a
stick-thin stature and size zero body. Due to Kate's extremely skinny frame, she was
often criticized for allegedly promoting eating disorders as apparently evidenced by
her shots for Calvin Klein. Reportedly, posters of Kate Moss were often defaced with
graffiti that read "feed me".[17]
 For the 1994 Autumn/Winter issue of Arena Homme +, a spin-off of the bi-
monthly Arena (magazine), master fashion photographer Albert
Watson photographed a new generation of top male models of the era,
including Tyson Beckford, Tim Boyce and Marcus Schenkenberg for the two-page
fold-out cover proclaiming "High Five the New Supermodel Army - Malcom Tim,
Marcus, In 1995 Gregg and Larry photographed by Albert Watson".[18]
Neon colors[edit]

 In the US, USSR,[19] South Africa,[20] Egypt, and Japan popular trends included bold
geometric-print clothing in electric blue, orange, fluorescent pink, purple,
turquoise[21] and the acid green exercise wear[22] popularized by Lisa Lopes[23] of TLC.
Typical patterns included triangles, zigzag lightning bolts, diamonds, lozenges,
rectangles, overlapping free-form shapes, simulated explosions inspired by comic
book illustrations or pop art, intricate grids,[24] and clusters of thin parallel lines in
contrasting colors (for example, white, black and yellow on a cyan background).
Many women wore denim button-down Western shirts, colored jeans in medium and
 dark green, red, and purple, metallic Spandex leggings, halterneck crop
tops, drainpipe jeans, colored tights, bike shorts, black leather jackets with shoulder
pads, high waisted ankle length jeans (aka mom jeans) and pants both styled plain
or pleated, baby-doll dresses over bike shorts or capri leggings, and skater dresses.
Neon colored tops and leg warmers were popular, together with leopard print
skirts[25] shiny satin or rayon blouses, embroidered jeans covered in rhinestones,
[19]
and black or white shirts, leggings and jackets printed with abstract red, blue,
yellow and green geometric patterns. In America, popular accessories
included court shoes, cowboy boots, headscarves, slouch socks, Keds, ballet flats,
and the penny loafers or boat shoes associated with the preppy look.
Leggings and exercise-wear[edit]

 From 1991 on, sports bras, hoodies, shortalls, leotards and bodysuits worn as tops
with jeans, a sweatshirt over a turtleneck with jeans rolled up to show off their slouch
socks were popular with young girls, teens, college girls, and young women in the
UK and Europe. A common outfit was to wear a skirt, dress
shorts, babydoll or minidress with black opaque tights. It was not uncommon to see
mothers dressed right along with their daughters in white slouch socks worn over
black leggings or sweatpants, an oversized T-shirt, sweater or sweatshirt worn over
a turtleneck, and Keds, Converse All Stars, or unisex aerobic, basketball or Nike Air
or gold Reebok hi-top running shoes.[22] A dressed up leggings outfit was leggings
with an oversized v-neck sweater over a turtleneck, slouch socks, Keds or Sperry
Top-Sider boat shoes, and bangs with a headband or ponytail and scrunchie.
Leggings and stirrup pants worn over pantyhose or tights with a pair of flats and
oversized tops were also common. Leggings and slouch socks with oversized tops
and casual sneakers especially Keds continued to be worn as lounge wear and
everyday comfortable and fashionable casual wear until the late 1990s. In Israel,
Britain and the US, Gottex swimsuits became popular among female
celebrities Diana, Princess of Wales, Brooke Shields, and Elizabeth Taylor.[26]
Grunge[edit]

 In mid-1992, grunge fashion broke into the mainstream for both sexes. For younger
American, Australian and Latina women, it consisted of flannel shirts, ripped jeans,
hip hugger bell bottoms, wide leg jeans, shortalls, Doc Martens, combat boots,
band t-shirts, small fitted sweaters, cap sleeved shirts, long and droopy skirts, ripped
tights, Birkenstocks, hiking boots,[27][28][29] and eco-friendly clothing made from recycled
textiles or fair trade organic cotton.[30] A prominent example of the popularity of
grunge fashion is the teen drama television series "My So Called Life".[31] Grunge
fashion peaked in late 1993 and early 1994.[27][32][33]
Mid 1990s (1993–1996)[edit]
Glamour wear[edit]
 Slip dresses first became widely worn in the mid-1990s,
as part of the underwear-as-outerwear trend. (Jane Leeves, 1995)

 In 1994, grunge clothing rapidly declined as fashion became more feminine and
form-fitting. Young women in the UK and America wore tailored skirt and trouser
suits, short skirts and dresses, baby doll dresses, skater dresses, animal prints, hot
pants,[34] slim pants, low waisted bell bottoms, wide leg jeans and
pants, long and short skirts, and high heels.[35] High-shine fabrics, such
as satin, metallics, sequins, microfiber, vinyl, and silk became very prominent on
both clubwear and work wear.[27][32][33] The most common look among young women
that year was the short black slip dress worn over a tight, undersized white T-shirt.
[32]
Loungewear generally consisted of black Lycra leggings or bike shorts,[36] large T-
shirts, oversized sweatshirts, turtlenecks, and baggy sweaters, slouch socks, Keds,
white Sperry sneakers or athletic sneakers and hair in bangs and a ponytail with a
scrunchie while at home running errands, at kids sporting events or other clubs and
activities or relaxing during the weekends.[27]
 A very popular look among young women from 1994 to 1995[33] was the "sexy school
girl" look. This trend consisted of tartan minikilts, sometimes with bike shorts
underneath, undersized sweaters, short slip dresses, baby doll tees, knee highs,
pulled all the way up or rolled or folded at the top, thigh highs, miniature
backpacks, overalls, tights, pantyhose, shirts and dresses with peter pan style
collars and chunky shoes, mary janes, ballet flats, or boat shoes. Hair was down
parted in the middle, or worn short and stacked in the back (stacked bob).[33][37] The
sexy school girl look was prominently portrayed in films with female leads such
as Clueless,[38][39] Empire Records,[40] and The Craft.[41]
 Among women over 30, 1950s ladylike fashions made a comeback in the United
States. This included pencil skirts, cardigans, girdles, petticoats, satin or
lace Wonderbra lingerie, and fitted suits.[42] Popular accessories that went hand-in-
hand with this revival included brooches, white gloves, sheer stockings, diamonds,
 sequins, and red lipstick.[42] For more casual occasions, women opted for lean capri
pants,[35] polka dot blouses, belted trench coats, 1940s style sandals, white canvas
shoes especially Keds, leggings with oversized tops, slouch socks with
leggings, stirrup pants worn over tights or pantyhose with flats and an oversized top,
rolled jeans or khakis or shorts or shortalls, shortalls, bell bottoms and wide leg
jeans, sweaters, sweatshirts, tunic tops, shorts suit with dress shorts with tights
underneath, ballet flats and a top and jacket, above the knee dresses sometimes
worn with bike shorts underneath [34][43]
 Popular shoes and accessories during the mid-1990s in Europe and North America
included loafers, Mary Janes,[33] suede sneakers,[32] mules, clogs,[44] knee high boots,
[36]
jelly shoes, go-go boots,[34][37] black court shoes, Keds, ballet flats, sperrys and
other boat shoes, silver jewelry, dainty earrings and necklaces,[33] conch
shell necklaces, berets, straw hats, floppy hats, gold jewelry, and hipster belts.
[34]
Navel piercings had started to gain popularity around this time.
Work wear[edit]

 For much of the early and mid 1990s, power dressing was the norm for women in
the workplace:[45] navy blue, grey or pastel colored skirt suits with shoulder pads,
[46]
pussy bow blouses, silk scarves, pointed shoes, stretchy miniskirts,[47] polka
dot blouses, and brightly colored short dresses worn with a
dark brocade blazer, bare legs and metallic open toed shoes. Other 1980s
fashions such as chunky jewelry, gold hoop earrings with horn of life pendants,
smoky eye make-up, hairspray, Alice bands,[48] and brightly painted nails remained
common. Shorts suits were also very popular. They consisted of a regular suit top
and jacket and dress shorts in short or bermuda length with tights underneath worn
with ballet flats. Also seen were stirrup pants worn over tights or pantyhose with flats
and an oversized top.
 By 1996, professional women in Britain, Australia and America wore more relaxed
styles and muted colors,[49] such as black floral print dresses, plain kaftan style
blouses, Mary Janes, maxi skirts, knee length dresses, boots, smart jeans, big
floppy hats, culottes, capri pants and chunky platform shoes. Trouser suits began to
replace skirts,[50] black or white tights and nude pantyhose made a comeback.[51]
Late 1990s (1997–1999)[edit]
Asian influences[edit]
 Red and cream Indian woman's saree, late 1990s

 Beginning in 1997 and continuing into the mid-2000s,[52] Southeast Asian and Indian
fashion began to influence and gain greater recognition from the global media[53] due
to the establishment of the Fashion Design Council of India, and the hosting of India
Fashion Week in Delhi.[54] Inspired by Bollywood cinema and a resurgence of interest
in 1970s fashion, designers in India adapted and repurposed
the saree, churidar and kurta into the Anarkali ballgown from the early 1990s
onwards. By the late 1990s, kurta tunics were turned into short dresses, and Manish
Arora designed garish Hindu "God printed T-shirts"[55] for both locals and global
tourists. British, Asian and American designers also incorporated ethnic chic fabrics,
such as khadi, paisley, silk or Indonesian Batik[56] into Western-inspired clothing
patterns such as shirts and blouses featuring traditional embroidery. This type of
clothing was worn not only by the immigrant Bangladeshi, Pakistani and Indian
diaspora in Britain, but also by many non-Indian women.[57]
1970s revival[edit]

 From 1997 onwards, many British and American designers started to take cues from
the disco fashion of the mid–late 1970s. Particularly common were black or dark
red pleather pants,[58] animal print clothing, halter tops,[59] metallic clothing,[60] crop
tops, tube tops, maxi coats, maxi skirts, knee boots sometimes with knee socks
slouch at the top, and boot-cut dress pants.[36] By 2001, popular mainstream trends
included tight shirts, bell bottoms, platform shoes,[27][61] fleeces, cropped tank
tops, Union jack motifs inspired by the Cool Britannia movement,[62] and military
inspired clothing, such as flak jackets with camouflage patterns.[63][64]
 In the late 1990s, bright colors began to make a comeback in mainstream fashion,
as a backlash against the darker tones associated with the grunge and skater
subculture.[65][66] Popular colors included plum, chocolate, and navy, all of which
replaced black,[36] which had become ubiquitous.[63] Other fashion trends popular from
1997 to 1999 included glamour wear, high-waisted miniskirts, plastic chokers, knee
 socks associated with the school girl look,[67] tight pants, slip dresses, turtle-
neck sweaters, conservative chic, capri pants, high-waisted trousers, and cardigans.
 More formal styles intended for the workplace or special occasions (such as
a cocktail party) included silk blouses in neutral colors or animal prints,
[64]
tailored pantsuits and skirt suits inspired by the 1980s,[65] collarless coats,[68] and
the little black dress, with or without subtle embroidery.[27]
Casual chic[edit]

Model wearing a midriff shirt, a silver necklace, low ponytail and

straight-leg leggings, 1999.

 From 1998 to 2001, the unisex casual chic look gained mainstream appeal, with
dark stonewash jeans, shortalls, spaghetti strap crop tops, tracksuits, sweatpants,
and other athletic clothing. Denim's popularity was at an all-time high in Europe, with
designer denim jackets and matching jeans rocketing in prices. Other common,
more affordable brands included Mudd, JNCO, and Evisu, a Japanese denim brand
which launched in the 1980s.[68] The most popular trainers were white or black and
manufactured by Adidas, Skechers, and Nike. Running shoes with built in air pumps
were popular among both sexes. Leather had largely replaced canvas, and soles
were made of foam rather than solid rubber.
 In the US and Britain, popular accessories included large hoop earrings, shoes with
rounded toes, flip flops, jelly shoes, rhinestone-encrusted hip belts, embellished
slippers, beaded wristbands and lariats,[68] Alice bands, pashminas,[63] fascinators,
gold jewelry,[27] moccasin loafers,[68] running shoes, jelly bracelets,[69] bandanas, and
novelty Wellington boots with leopard print or zebra stripe patterns.
Men's fashion