WEEK 4 Summary (Fashion Studies)

 

Date: 21/05/2021
 
Adeline Wong Chyn Nee

In week 4, we learned the evolution of fashion from the beginning of the 19th century to current times which I think is important to understand in order to recognize and create designs suitable for the current years.

Fashion History

The evolution of fashion runs in a cycle, each with peaks and valleys symbolic of their corresponding socio-economic impacts. A study of fashion history allows designers to understand and appreciate the historical reference and can be a symbol of subject matter to recognize how trends develop as well as anticipation of future demands.

Fashion history of the year 1910 until the year 2020 was presented to the students and we witnessed the evolution of fashion throughout the years.

1910’s Situation:

1. During World War 1

2. Women filled roles occupied by men

3. Redefined women’s capabilities

4. Fashion starts to evolves 

5. Women start to wear sweaters and trench coats.

1920’s Situation:

1. After World War 1 (1914-1918)

2. Women start to vote

3. Freedom and equality

4. Movies start having sound

5. Modern art, music, and literature come about

6. Sportswear begins

1930's Situation:

1. Depression-era (Wall Street crash down)

2. Unemployment, financial problems

3. Hollywood influence (focus on public entertainment)

4. Manmade: Rayon & acetate fabrics (cheaper)

5. Swing music trending

1940's Situation:

1. World War 2: Government restrictions

2. Shortage of materials

3. France no longer the fashion source

4. American designers become more prevalent

5. Dior-1947 “new look”6.Women take men’s jobs

1950's Situation:

1. Baby boom: Increased population

2. Move to suburbs/buy new homes

3. Rising income: more money

4. More imports

5. Improved transportation

6. Improved communication (TC)

1960's Situation:

1. Rise of shopping malls/boutiques

2. New technology: Stretch fabrics

3. Civil rights movements: More freedom

4. Vietnam war: Anti-war movement

5. Drug experimentation

6. Identity seeking: fashion experimentation

7. Divorces

1970's Situation:

1. Equal rights

2. Women working outside of the home

3. Ecology, conservation, back to nature, healthy food

4. End of Vietnam war

5. Stabilizing economy

6. Disco dancing/clubs

7. Individualism

8. Overseas manufacturing

1980's Situation:

1.Vast use of computers

2.Music videos

3.2 income families

4.New baby boom

5.Dancing

6.Birth of MTV

1990's Situation:

1. Gulf war

2. Economic recession (less money)

3. High-tech industry growth

4. Rise of terrorism

5. Rise of cellular phones

6. Sex & the City

2000's Situation:

1.Expansion of communication technology

2.September 11th terrorist attack (9/11)

3.Rise of online shopping

2010's Situation:

1. Many 2000 trends still carry on up to this period

2. 1990’s revival –neon  colors

3. Workwear/business casual

4. Luxury sportswear

5. African wear

2020’s Situation

1. The World is facing Pandemic and rapid spread of Corona Virus

2. Social Media, Digital, Online

3. World’s Fashion week going Digital•K-pop