Women Reclaiming Power and Femininity Through History of Feminist Dress edit
Introduction edit
Throughout History, women's fashion has evolved into an expressive form. Dating back to the 19th century, the changes were due to women's movements. This was when the first wave of feminism set foot. Women were expected to dress a certain way, but over the years they began to challenge these expectations.
A History of Women's Fashion edit
During the Edwardian Era, women had to wear traditionally feminine fashions that didn't have distracting styles. A woman named Amelia Bloomer created a suit with a loose tunic over baggy trousers, that came in three symbolic shades. This was how they showed some resistance while still conforming to what was okay to wear.[1] This was where the term "bloomer" came from for the piece. It was a garment worn under dresses in the 19th century. This was how they showed some resistance while still conforming to what was okay to wear. Ameilia began to wear bloomers long enough to be sticking out and seen from under her dress. According to history.com 2018, the flapper came in the 1920’s as a result of a few factors, specifically political, cultural, and technological. One major change was the 19th Amendment, in which women gained their right to vote. Margaret Sanger also helped women with the right to birth control by providing them contraception. These were all huge breakthroughs for the progress of women’s independence in society. Coco Chanel, Elsa Schiaparelli and Jean Patou all paved the way for flapper fashion, creating a more relaxed and freer silhouette, and emphasizing the shape of a woman’s body more naturally. As History.com also states “The classic image of a flapper is that of a stylish young party girl. Flappers smoked in public, drank alcohol, danced at jazz clubs and practiced a sexual freedom that shocked the Victorian morality of their parents.” Since it was recognized that women now had incomes of their own, advertising also began targeting women with more than just the regular household items. This included soap, perfume, cosmetics, cigarettes and fashion accessories.According to Webb 2020, “As a pioneering female designer, Coco Chanel revolutionized womenswear in the early 20th century. Her signature skirt suit, which used tweed and a fit that featured a straighter silhouette than in the past, demanded the world take its wearer more seriously.” In what was referred to as the "Roaring Twenties' ', more manly and boyish styles emerged for women, which was perceived as bold and dramatic.[2] The 1930's gave rise to a fashion influence from flappers. Soon after, World War II caused a need for more people in the workforce, which many women took over. They began to recruit women for the military as well. However, soon after the war the gender roles returned back to their original form. Regardless, the various fashion changes continued. Many female designers set the styles, including boots, sportswear, capris, and shorts. [3] In the 1960’s, the “bra-burning” came about. There weren't really any bras burned, although women did support that action because they believed it made a statement for Women’s rights. This took place at the Miss America contest, where women gathered to protest. As Teen Vogue 2018 states, they were there to “protest the degrading image of women perpetuated by the Miss America pageant.” Finally, according to the Yooto Group KFT 2021, “In the second half of the 20th century as civil movements for women’s rights and equality started making progress, women's fashion changed along with it. Women begun to wear free-styled clothing and a lot of items became unisex.” This was a time when women began dressing more freely, and many different styles emerged such as sequins, breezy dresses, and even unisex clothing items. Around this time was also when the blue jean was invented.[4]
An Inspiring Designer edit
Adolfo Sanchez’s life inspiration to become a fashion designer began when he walked by the windows of a Versace boutique in South Coast Plaza. Immediately, he was involved in the fashion industry, starting from the sales department, corporate retailers in different boutiques. He managed to get to different levels in the fashion industry, leading him to rethink his dreams of creating his own brand. Ignoring how difficult it will be, he decided to give it a shot, never doubting his skills as a young and inexperienced designer. Most of his designs are focused on women's clothes, he loves bridal dresses. He likes to give women the dress of their dreams, which requires extreme details of creating a unique piece. He really appreciates the people who work by his side to make him what he is now, but especially the customers who came to him. “Without clients, we don’t exist” (Local Stories 11). He also states how women's clothing is more detailed and has different types of materials to make a piece. Women have made progress in society, challenging the gender norms through feminist fashions as it evolves according through each designer who’s willing to challenge the norms of present society and women eager to conquer a place in a world of fashion dominated by men.
Fashion & Feminism edit
- ^ The Evolution of Feminist Style, additional text.
- ^ The Evolution of Feminist Style, additional text.
- ^ The Evolution of Feminist Style, additional text.
- ^ Evolution of Women's Fashion and Their Role in Society, additional text.
References edit
1.Person. (2020, August 26). The evolution of feminist style. CR Fashion Book. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
2.Joyce, J. (2020, June 18). Fashion by Adolfo Sanchez. FINE Homes and Living. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
3.Wikimedia Foundation. (2021, October 20). Edwardian era. Wikipedia. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
4. KFT, Y. G. R. O. U. P. (2021, March 23). Evolution of women's fashion and their role in the Society. Yooto. Retrieved October 26, 2021.
5.Csáktornyai, F. (n.d.). Do people use fashion to express themselves? The Student Journal. Retrieved October 26, 2021.