Fashion is something that transcends clothes. Many people see fashion as a frivolous industry that is exclusive to celebrities, fashionistas, the rich and famous and supermodels. However, what people don’t realize is that fashion affects even the person who claims that he or she has no interest in fashion whatsoever. Clothing long ago ceased to be just a basic necessity and was transformed into a language and statement of its own. In society, we cannot help but judge people by the appearance they have. For instance, the teenage boy with the black t-shirt, high-cut Chuck Taylors and blue-streaked hair is obviously making a statement of rebellion and non-conformity (which is already conformity in itself). Another man wearing a loose hooded jacket, wide-legged pants, sunglasses and a layer of “bling-bling” necklaces is seen as subscribing to the hip-hop look. As you can see, both fashions are closely related to music. Music is just one of the elements in our everyday lives that dictate what fashion is—whether we realize it or not.
Fashion’s beginnings
Charles Frederick Worth is considered to be the first designer in fashion. Worth resided in Paris and would have been just an ordinary dressmaker if he hadn’t boldly made suggestions to his clients about what they should wear, instead of the other way around. As is customary at that time, Worth got most of his influences from the clothing of the Royal Court. He set up his own shop called the House of Worth and this is where people flocked if they want to access the latest in dress designs. Perhaps this is the reason why Paris is considered by many to be the fashion capital of the world.
Removing the layers
The outfits in Worth’s time were to show endurance in the coming years, as women continued to dress in heavy garments with ballooned skirts, tight corsets and elaborate hats. It wasn’t until the arrival of Paul Poiret on the scene that women ccould finally breath (quite literally) when it came to fashion.
Masculine elements began affecting women’s fashions as post-war times called for more active participation from females. Flapper and sheath dresses became the rage as women preferred the more comfortable and fuss-free outfits.
Coco Chanel
This was the time that Coco Chanel became one of the most famous and most influential designers in history. She popularized classics that until today can be found in the wardrobe of any fashionable woman, such as the skirt suit and the immortal little black dress. The fashion brand of Chanel quickly spread to other fashion areas such as jewellery, handbags and perfume. Chanel No. 5 is the perfume that helped put the brand in the women’s fashion map forever.
Since its beginning, fashion has come a long way—with more designers emerging every season, new aesthetics blending into clothes and more philosophies being developed with each runway show. To stay updated about the latest in fashion, trends, beauty and cosmetics, visit http://www.styleflair.com/.