A SHORT HISTORY OF FASHION

and how it evolved along the years

 WHAT IS FASHION?

For most of us, fashion is either a way of expressing ourselves whilst being as
authentic as possible, a good method of fitting in with our peers or a vital part of
our whole persona. We start to implement fashionable wardrobe changes from a
young age, as a result of peer pressure, societal norms and/or expectations,
individual preference or pure commodity. For all we know, fashion can take
multiple shapes and sizes, as it differs from person to person, not necessarily
having to «fit the mold» or be likeable by everyone’s standards – for, as they say,
one man’s trash is another man’s treasure. Therefore, fashion is a social construct,
among many others that we live by, holding no exact value other than to elevate
someone in society’s eyes.
 THE ROOTS OF FASHION

Romans and Egyptians took great interest in their appearance and spend a lot of effort and
currency on fashion and style. Wearing a particular type of clothing communicated status, wealth
and occupation. During the 15th century, Burgundian Court of Philip the Good emerged as a
centre of fashion in Europe. During the Renaissance and Baroque periods, the fashion focus
shifted from Burgundy to Italy and then to France. In the western world, fashion was important
all throughout history. The Dark Ages, the medieval period, the Tudor and Stuart times, the
Renaissance era, the Georgian Period, the Victorian era, Edwardian age – The important periods
in the history of Britain were also critical parts in the aisles of world fashion history. Britain and
other European countries influenced world fashion – colonial rule brought their dressing styles to
a global audience and made them popular all around the world. During all these times, it was the
royal courts that dictated fashion. Aristocratic people dressed elaborately and stylishly. Poor
could not afford to change their clothes according to the whims of fashion.
 FASHION ERAS

In vintage fashion history the main periods according to politics were as follows:
Greek Period; Roman period; Middle Ages; Early Gothic; Early
Renaissance; Italian Renaissance; Tudor England; Elizabethan
England; Cavalier Period; The Restoration; The 18th Century; Revolution &
Empire; Romantic; Victorian; La Belle Epoque and Edwardian.
 ROMAN FASHION

In Rome, the woman wore a palla (a

shawl draped over her head) over her
stola (a long dress). The Roman man
used to wear a Toga over a tunic. The
toga was a semi-circular cloth draped
over the body and was a mark of Roman
citizenship. The draped style of clothing
was popular then and their tunics were
as close to modern dresses as any.
 RENAISSANCE FASHION

This is a very important period in fashion history,

because of the high interest in fashion among the
aristocrats.
A lot of money was spent on clothes. It is said that
Henry VII, King of England, spend a fortune on
clothes and the aristocrats followed him in
everything he did and spend.
Other than the aristocrats a new cultural order
emerged who imitated the aristocrats in their
clothing- the traders and merchants (the middle
class). The clothing during this period  reflected the
social standing of the wearer.
 FASHION IN THE 1920S

This period between the two world wars is known as the golden era of French
fashion. America started to be very prosperous. Other than royalty and aristocracy, a
new set of clients emerged for fashion houses – wives of Industrialists, American
entrepreneurs, film stars. Women gained more independence and even got the right to
vote and started to join the workforce more than ever.
This period saw the androgynous looks gaining acceptance – people abandoned the
elaborate dressing style for a more sporty flat-chested look. Bob cuts (Short hair cuts)
instead of long hair and short skirts instead of long trains were fashionable. Corset
was more or less replaced by a straight silhouette. By 1925 this became the norm.
The waistline dropped. Flapper style with no-waist gained unprecedented popularity
during this period. In men’s wear also there was a major change. The formality of the
past years was replaced by clothing that gave more emphasis on relaxation and
youthfulness- sports clothes gained acceptance. Wide grey flannel trousers called
Oxford bags became popular. Short jackets replaced long stiff jackets. Knickers ad
sweaters gained popularity. The tailcoat was replaced by a short tuxedo.
Film stars like Louise Brooks, Gloria Swanson, Collen Moore were influential in
shaping fashion sensibilities of the era.
Designers of the era – Coco Chanel, Jean Patou, Jeanne Lavie. Among them, Coco
Chanel was the most popular. An iconic designer, she popularised the little black
dress, her signature jacket, use of knit fabric in making clothes.