THE HISTORY OF

FASHION
Presentation by: Kyndra Smith-Jackson
What is the History of Fashion?

■ Refers to the development of the design and creation of clothes, shoes, and
accessories
■ Before the 19th Century haute couture and ready-to-wear did not really exist
– Most of the basic major pieces of female clothing was made by dressmakers
and seamstresses and measured to a specific person, fitting to her shape,
height…etc
– Start of the 20th Century began to include photographs and fashion became
more influential through this medium.
 1890’s
■ This was the age of Optimism
■ Influenced by the Victorian Era
■ Ragtime
■ Women’s fashion:
– Bustle
– Exaggerated hourglass silhouette
– Corsets
– ‘Gibson Girl’ was a major influence and symbolized the Ideal Woman
■ Men's fashion:
– Sack coat
– Waistcoat
– Ascot Tie
– Winged shirt collars
 1900’s
■ The automobile and electricity was introduced and became more common among the public
■ Edwardian Era
■ Influences by the Industrial Revolution Era
■ Women’s fashion:
– Shirtwaist
– ‘Leg O’ Mutton’ Sleeves
– Dustcoat which protected the clothing while riding in the automobile
– ’S’ Curve Silhouette
■ Men’s Fashion:
– 3 piece suits
– Cuffed and creased pants
1910’s

■ 1910
■ World War I
■ Men’s Fashion adapted:
– Military influence
– Trench coat
■ Women’s movement began
– Bathing suits
– Bloomers
– Dresses easier to move in
– Elongated inverted triangle silhouette
 1920’s

■ Very well known as the Prohibition Era and the Age of Jazz and the Roaring 20’s
■ Women’s fashion:
– Flapper dresses; long beads, loose fit
– Costume Jewelry
Cloche’ Hats
– Tubular silhouette
■ Men’s fashion:
– Pinstripe Suits
– Fedoras
– Fur coats (both men and women)
 1930’s
■ Popularly known as the Depression Era
■ Women’s Fashion
– Hand-me downs
– Flour sack clothing
– Elongated hourglass silhouette
■ Men’s Fashion
– Straight wide leg trousers
– Sweater vests
1940’s

■ Influenced by World War II

■ Men’s Fashion:
– Military Influence
– Bomber jackets
– Wide padded shoulder suits
■ Women’s Fashion:
– Convertible suits
– Slacks
– Eisenhower Jacket
– Padded shoulders
– Inverted Triangle Silhouette
 1950’s
■ Influenced by Rock and Roll, with the war ended women started going back to being stay at home moms
■ Men’s Fashion:
– Flannel suits
– Cardigan sweaters
– Hats
– Loafers
– For the younger crowd tight jeans, leather jacket, converse
■ Women’s Fashion:
– Poodle skirts
– Saddle shoes
– Capri pants
– ‘The New Look’ by Christian Dior
– Hourglass silhouette with an accented lower half