From Victorian Britain’s Queen Victoria to our generation’s Bella Hadid, fashion icons have been influencing the world’s style essence for centuries. From defining the trends of their eras to inspiring timeless looks that transcend barriers of time and place, these fashion icons have impacted the way people choose to dress in our world today. “Fashion Icons Through the Decades: Timeless Style Inspiration” will explore the influence of different fashion icons throughout the years, how their unique style has influenced the clothes we wear today, and how to draw inspiration from their timeless looks for our own wardrobes. Join us on this journey through fashion history!
1. Defining Decades: An Overview
The last few decades have been momentous times in history. From the World Wide Web to the Cold War, the events of the last two centuries have been full of intrigue, excitement, and moments of global importance. Here, we provide an overview of a few key decades which have had the most profound impact on popular culture, social life, and worldwide events.
- The 1980s: This decade was one of the most influential in recent times. It saw the rise of the consumer culture and technology; from the introduction of the first-ever laptop computer in 1981 to the launch of the iconic Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985. Alongside these technological developments, the 80s saw the emergence of an array of global culture, from hip hop to power ballads.
- The 1990s: Widely considered to be one of the most vibrant and progressive decades, the 90s was the era of new beginnings. Revolutionary developments in the tech world, combined with the launch of the Hubble Telescope and the advent of the internet, paved the way for an era of unprecedented connectivity and the dawn of the digital age. The 90s also saw the emergence of many genres of music, from hip-hop to rock.
- The 2000s: The 2000s saw many revolutionary changes in the world. From the launch of the iPod in 2001 to the election of President Obama in 2008, the decade was filled with historical milestones. It also saw the rise of social media and the birth of the ‘Internet of Things’, revolutionizing the way we communicate and access information.
The massive changes the world underwent over these past decades is without a doubt inspiring and shaping our world today. From incredible advances in science and technology to the rise of the global culture, the last few decades have truly been defining years.
2. Paris Pavilion in the Fifties: Neo-Romantic Glamour
The Paris pavilion of the 1950s was the epitome of neo-romantic glamour, providing a lush, inviting environment for the glitterati of the day. From the soaring arches to the cobblestone patio, the Paris Pavilion was a unique place to spend a night out.
- Grecian arches and grand columns made up the main structure of the pavilion in an endless array of styles and designs.
- The cobblestoned patio featured wrought-iron furniture, surrounded by ornate shrubs, flowers and trees.
- An awning adorned with cascading ivy provided an inviting and intimate atmosphere.
The Paris Pavilion of the 1950s maintained the beloved traditions of the past while welcoming in modern comforts. Crystal chandeliers hung from the ceilings, adding a touch of elegance while also illuminating the space. Guests could enjoy a night of live music and dancing, while lounging on plush couches and taking in the exquisite décor. For an extra dose of luxury, exquisite crystal and silverware were on display for guests to enjoy.
The pavilion was a hub of activity for the affluent elite of the day. Upscale fashion boutiques filled the space, while renowned chefs served up delectable delights for dinner guests. By night, the Paris Pavilion took on a life of its own, as the club filled with people from the world of high society.
3. Flower Generation of the Sixties: Groovy Bohemian Mods
Sixties fashion was a kaleidoscope of vivid colors and styles. A carefree era of eclectic, bright, and breathtakingly beautiful fashion, Britain’s youth experienced creative liberty like never before, especially with the Flower Generation – young men and women who were considered bohemian and fashionable. Guided by the groovy trends of the Mods, the Flower Generation was a unique sect of hippy devotees.
The Flower Generation of the sixties were characterized by:
- Flamboyant Floor-length Dresses: From artfully draped midi dresses, to minimalist maxi dresses, the sixties flower generation was obsessed with colorful, floaty garments.
- Luxurious Shawls: the flower generation adorned themselves with exquisite, multi-colored shawls, often patterned with flower prints.
- Messy Beachy Waves: there was an obvious embrace of “the messier the better”. The flowers of the sixties opted for tousled hair, with gorgeous fringes of curls cascading down around the face.
- Statement Accessories: chunky necklaces, oversized sunglasses, and vibrant flowers in the hair were iconic accessories of the flower generations!
The flower generation was all about natural beauty; they rejected the structured and polished 50s look for something easier and unstructured. They took inspiration from British subcultures and truly celebrated the free-spiritedness of the youth at the time. It still serves as a source of fashion inspiration today!
4. Iconic Aesthetic of the Seventies: Disco and Punk Explosion
The 1970s was a diverse and unique era of fashion, with many people looking to stand out in the crowd. Some embraced the Disco movement with its outrageous and vibrant fashion sense while others dared to challenge the traditional fashion standards of the time with the Punk Explosion.
Disco
The Disco movement influenced fashion in the 1970s with a vibrant and eclectic style. Bell bottoms, flared trousers, and sequinned attire were popular among Disco fans. Polyester clothing was another favourite, featuring bright colours and patterns designed to make the wearer stand out and express their individual style, just like an iconic Disco dancer. Not only did Disco fashion create an iconic aesthetic, it also provided a refuge for many, a place where they could openly express and accept themselves.
Punk Explosion
In stark contrast to the glitz and glamour of Disco, the Punk Explosion brought an edgy, anti-establishment style in complete rebellion against the traditional fashion of the day. Punk fashion emphasised individualised style as people mixed and matched various garments together, which was no doubt subversive at the time. Leather jackets, checked shirts, and safety pins were common adornments for Punk fashionistas who set themselves apart with a do-it-yourself approach.
Influence Today
The iconic fashion of the Seventies continues to influence fashion today. Many well-known 60s and 70s styles are reinvented and given a modern twist, whilst key items such as bell bottoms, tie-dye, and sequined clothing are still popular today. Punk and Disco fashion items have become classics in fashion history and continue to be seen today, their iconic aesthetic never straying too far from the public eye.
Fashion icons are truly timeless in many ways. While the trends, silhouettes, and designs may vary, their impact on the fashion industry is undeniable and will continue to leave a lasting legacy on the way people dress throughout the years. From the classic and sophisticated looks of Audrey Hepburn to the edgy and daring style of Rihanna, fashion icons throughout the decades have left a lasting impression and provided style inspiration that stands the test of time.
