In our society, fashion has always been perceived as frivolous and selfish pleasure that emphasizes individual vanity, classifying each social class according to their clothing. However, fashion is much more than that. Like many cultural mores, fashion can reflect one society´s idiosyncrasies, thus showing which elements are important to a particular culture.
All of us live and thrive in a particular historical context and this can variate progressively over time. How we dress, is strongly related to our evolution. Even though it remains a certainty that some have more access to it than others, the reality is that politicians, economics and even religious people have all sinned from elitism throughout history.
Some fabrics and textures still remains a privilege of a small elite group, this in spite of the fact that there are alternatives which adjust to any budget. Nonetheless, for us women, fashion is and always will continue to be a reflection of time and our society. No matter the season and the new clothing pieces that come along with it, we will find the way to purchase them and stand out.
For example, 1890 and 1910 was known as a time of wealth, ostentation and extravagance, thus receiving the name of the “Belle Époque”. During that time, female dresses were starched and had a crinoline petticoat (a circular skirt with flexible steel rings, which gave it a bulging texture). These designs were so hard to make and uncomfortable to women, couturiers were forced to create a design that was more comfortable.
It was a few years later, in 1900, that the “Gibson Girl” was born. This girl represents the feminine ideal of the time and transformed life pattern for all women of the time. However, this new fashion trend only looked good on ladies with large breast, wide hips and prominent buttocks. But, since in fashion with time everything changes, soon after came the “S” shape. This new fashion statement helped create skits that highlight the female physic.
Two pieces that still transcended the passing of time, despite the continuous changes in fashion, are the skirt and the mini-skirt. These two fashion items have reemerged countless times in new designs, shapes, styles, textures and modes, even despite weather conditions. With the coming of ach new season, women somehow find the way to continue enhance their style and beauty.
It is interesting to notice that fashion, both for men and for women, has traversed though many changes and different creative processes. History will always mark their transcendence and man will always seek ways to adjust to these changes. However, in fashion, as it comes, it goes and returns with each new season.
Fashion will always be unpredictable, indecisive and inconstant; reason why it is important for us to remember to never let the cloths wear you, you wear them! Identify always was you, not by your cloths.
ALFA