LIFESTYLE | FASHION
Successful Journey — The Remarkable Growth of the Fashion World — Part I
It’s time to dig into the evolution of fashion history
Who created fashion? Did it start in prehistoric times? So, were the humans who wore leaves and the humans who made clothes from animal skins jealous of each other’s clothes and fighting for them? Was that the reason for inventing fashion to design clothes that surpass each other? It’s so confusing!
Fashion is an art that has been a part of human culture for centuries, constantly changing and evolving. It is a reflection of our society, values, and creativity. “What is the definition of fashion?” I am looking for the simplest possible interpretation of it. “Fashion is self-expression through art.” Also, it’s a broad application. I think that’s the easiest way to define “Fashion.”
Fashion is not only a style that happens on a body or a face, but it is a form that changes from person to person, from day to day, from time to time. Also, the term is used by various practitioners and academics to define several sectors of industries. [Ex: Textile, Clothing, Footwear, Knitwear, Accessories, Sunglasses, and Cosmetics.] Also, the word fashion comes from the Latin word “Facere”. It is an art and another way of expressing personal feelings.
We know that the origin of fashion goes back a long way. But have you ever wondered who was responsible for creating this concept & how? So I hope to find answers to that problem in this article. So, let’s explore the major milestones in the fashion journey so far.
Attractive Fashion Style
By now, fashion has invaded the entire world. Do you agree with this statement? I am saying this because the term fashion has evolved across many categories of human needs. [Ex: Clothing, beauty, work, relationships, and our entire life promoted on fashion.] So, how attractive is fashion,
- Fashion as Art: Fashion is an artistic expression that individuals wear on their bodies. It is an art in which colors, textures, and patterns choose to convey a message, evoke emotion, or simply reflect one’s mood.
- Confidence and Identity: What we wear has the power to boost our confidence and define our identity. A smart outfit shows professionalism, while a chic bohemian outfit reflects a free spirit.
- Society and Status: Fashion is a form of social currency. Throughout history, clothing has been a distinctive item of status, wealth, and distinction.
Fashion Through Eras
The fashion style is also timeless and attractive. Many facts testify to it in the historical information. These facts will help you to understand how fashion came through eras. So, let’s briefly check some points. Here are some of them,
- The Mesopotamians adorned themselves with intricate jewelry and textiles, while the Egyptians made linen into beautiful clothing. The Greeks and Romans celebrated beauty and wore flowing robes.
- When considering the historical records, it appears that the royals dominated the fashion of those periods. Then, a marked change in style began in the Middle Ages. The cultural explosion of the Renaissance, thanks to people like Leonardo da Vinci, brought about a significant shift in fashion, particularly in Italy. Then, with the awakening of the intellect and the Industrial Revolution, we entered a new fashion era.
The Pioneers
If there were no people challenging norms and trying to make a difference, fashion would still be a boring topic in the world. But because of the great pioneers who filled it with attractiveness, the whole world paid attention to the development of fashion. Such pioneers are,
- Charles Frederick Worth: Charles Frederick Worth is known as the “Father of Haute Couture.” He is also considered the founding figure of fashion as an industry and art form. He is the founder of “House of Worth.”
- Jeanne-Marie Lanvin: known as the mother of fashion. Also, she is a French haute couture fashion designer. She was the founder of Lanvin Fashion House and Lanvin Parfums.
- Coco Chanel: Chanel’s revolutionary designs freed women from the confines of corsets and introduced the world to the little black dress.
- Christian Dior: Dior’s “New Look” after World War II symbolized hope and optimism. It redefined femininity with cinched waists and voluminous skirts. [Read More — Detailed and analytical article written by fellow Medium writer Kalyani Kala on Dior’s “New Look”.]
Eras — Revealing the eras that fashion has come through so far
We live in the 21st century. But fashion has been enriched by numerous eras and designers over time. In the following sections, I aim to highlight the various eras that have contributed to the development and evolution of fashion.
I. Ancient Elegance (Before 500 CE)
In ancient times, people used clothing as protection against harsh outdoor elements. Ancient civilizations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans displayed a fascinating sense of fashion through textiles and accessories. [E.g., in Egypt, linen garments were valued for their breathability and comfort. And the Greeks celebrated the beauty of the human body with simple tunics. Also, the Romans displayed wealth with their togas and stolas.]
II. Medieval Era (500–1500 CE)
The Middle Ages was the era in which feudal society took root in Europe. There, the nobles wore extravagant clothes made of rich fabrics, while the peasants wore simple, functional clothes. Also, the silhouettes of this era often featured long, flowing robes, shawls, and headscarves. The introduction of the spinning wheel and the loom revolutionized textile production, pushing the boundaries of intricate textile designs. It is called a revolutionary change.
III. Renaissance Rebirth (1500–1700 CE)
It’s widely known that the Renaissance was a period of significant progress in various areas, including culture, art, and fashion. At that time, people were encouraged to use luxurious fabrics like silk, velvet, and brocade. Men’s clothing used elaborate ruffs, doublets, and breeches. Also, women wore elaborate corsets and voluminous skirts. Furthermore, the emergence of tailored clothing emerged as the most valuable trend at the time.
IV. Rococo Era (1700–1800 CE)
During the Rococo era, people enthusiastically embraced redundancy and ornamentation. Women adorned themselves in intricate gowns featuring elaborate embroidery, lace, and wide panniers, while men donned wigs, fancy coats, and breeches. Louis XV and later Louis XVI, who led the French court, established the prevailing European fashion trends and introduced opulent textiles.
V. Victorian Era (1800–1900 CE)
The Victorian era is considered the pinnacle of modesty and restraint in fashion. Also, corsets created more value for women and attempted to achieve the popular hourglass figure by hugging their waists. Also, long, heavy skirts and elaborate hats were hugely popular. For men, suits with tailcoats and cravats exuded a sense of formality and sophistication.
VI. The Roaring Twenties (1920s)
1920s fashion exuded beauty and glamour, yet its fundamental goal was to simplify clothing designs. Flapper dresses with dropped waists, short hemlines, and loose silhouettes became iconic. With the popularization of loose clothing (short skirts and simple shapes) for women and the fedora hat for men, the preference for casual clothing increased. The 1920s was the first time sportswear became popular for both men and women.
VII. Mid-20th Century Modernism (1940s-1960s)
In the middle of the 20th century, people underwent many changes through technological advancements. It also directly affected fashion. Because of World War II at the time, women wore practical uniforms while men wore military-style clothing. In particular, Christian Dior introduced the “New Look” during the post-war period. It symbolized femininity with cinched waists and voluminous skirts for women. In 1960, the mini-skirt, psychedelic prints, and the mod movement came to the fore, symbolizing youth culture and fashion.
VIII. The Fashion Revolution (1970s-1990s)
In the late 20th century, subcultures emerged that challenged traditional fashion norms. [Ex: hippies embraced bohemian style with flowing, natural fabrics. Also, the punk movement tried ripped clothes and unconventional fashions. The 1980s saw the introduction of power suits, bold colors, and shoulder pads. Also, the 1990s embraced grunge and minimalism.]
IX. 21st Century Fashion
The 21st century is the era of fashion that embraces diversity and individualism. It is the era of fast fashion brands. As a result, a wide variety of styles are available to consumers. Also, the fashion industry has opened doors to a new dimension based on eco-friendly products and a sustainable future. There is more room for creativity in the fields. Also, brands have focused on customer needs, comfort, and customer service. It is exciting that these areas are moving forward as much as bringing fashion home through the online system.
Think for a moment!
It’s easy to imagine how far the evolution of fashion can go. Although it is fun to compare the styles of the past with the present, what shape will the fashion of the future take? In the face of technology, personal needs, and competition, every company in the world’s fashion industry strives to bring out new designs. Therefore, the fashion industry will be a fresh experience for the consumer. Dive into the incredible fashion world. Be as modern as possible with fashion. The future is likely to be even more fashionable.
“How will future fashions surprise us? What kinds of fashion styles will be upon us in the next decade?”
Comment below whatever you think. What styles will we see on the streets in the next decade? I’ll leave that simple question to you for your open-ended comments. So, guys, have a nice day to you all!
Thank you for your valuable reading time..!
JC RENOLDS
HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT ME:
FOLLOW ME | You can give your support by following my profile. Help me to reach 200 followers before the end of this month.
SHARING CONTENT | You can share my content with your acquaintances, friends, and anyone. OR
ENGAGING WITH CONTENT | You can join the content as an active reader. It can easily be done through commenting, clapping, and saving lists.
READ MORE:
Previous Article —
All Articles —
Please visit & read my other articles. If you like to give your best support, leave a comment, clap, or share the content with your other friends. It’ll help me a lot. [Click Here]
