Fashion

Recently I've noticed (and others have too, I'm sure) that fashion isn't really producing anything new, just sort of regurgitating the old and adding a new spin to it. I'm not saying that's a bad thing. I loved the 80s for the 2 years I was a part of them, and in the 90s and now today. I mean how could you not love the 80s? Fraggle Rock, big hair, hair bands, leather, studs, tight pants, everything big.

But at the same time I do like invention. And there's really not that much of that. We seem to have done just about everything already. The hem lines have gone up, clothes have gotten tighter, etc. etc. But while others are despairing I don't, at least not for living in the USA. Fashion changes based on necessity.

Josephine Baker. I idolize her.

In the 20s the war had revolutionized society in the US. Feminism was the rage. People were moving to the cities, and night life and jazz was a big thing. Hemlines shortened and fringes were added so that when people danced, their clothing danced with them.


In the 50s the Cold War. Family was more important than ever before. The troops were coming home and settling down and having families. It makes sense that the hourglass figure was the thing as it is ultimate symbol of motherhood and fertility. Hips wide enough to bear children, breasts large enough to feed them. Clothing played this up.


The 60s, yet another war. People rebelled by creating their own clothing, wearing kente cloth and growing their hair natural. People lived the Bohemian lifestyle. They fought the government. The civil rights movement continued. Peace, love and equality was so important.

And now today we have another war and the American economy is so woeful. So it's not surprise that this USA Today article notes that teens are turning to vintage clothing. I'm sure it's something that fellow bloggers and fashionistas have been noticing. Our favorite eBay stores have been ransacked and where we used to be able to pick up an item for $20 it's going for $200.

Depressions, recessions and wars are always heralds of fashion change and now that we're in deep here in the US, I think there will be more creativity with fashion. I don't think it's gonna stop with the diy and the thrifting and the throwbacks. I think the hard times will push designers to be more creative.