100 Years of Fashion

Happy New Year Everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Years :)

As my first post of 2015 and I am going to share with you all the most amazing book that I received from my Aunt as a Christmas present.

It starts from the early 1900s documenting the century which showed the largest transformation of women's fashion. I LOVE the cover of Audrey Hepburn, unfortunately I can't find where it says the photographer of this image.

I cannot imagine wearing a corset like this every day but in the beginning of the twentieth century the ideal body shape was achieved by wearing a corset which pushed your boobs forward, your bum backwards and gave you a tiny waist. 

Evening dress by Premet 1925

Madeleine Vionnet Evening Dresses 1938

I love these dresses by Vionnet mainly because they could be walk down the runway today and nobody would question that they were created over 70 years ago.

Elsa Schiaparelli  Lobster Dress 1937

The best thing about this book is that it shows you such a massive range of designers and how they influenced trends at the time. Schiaparelli created the Lobster Dress in collaboration with surrealist artist Salvador Dali. Their goal was to show that there is no difference between art and fashion except that fashion should be worn.

Dinner Dress by Christian Dior

Evening Gowns by Jacques Fath

Evening Gown by Dior 1952

The 'New Look' section of the book was all about the change of utilitarian, practical styles forced on the world as a result of WW2 to the trend termed the 'New Look' which was all about abundance, wealth and expensive fabric. Started by Christian Dior, his lavish use of costly materials shocked the those who were still used the rationing. The trend enticed those who longed for the return of feminine clothing; this started what turned the 50s into the so called Golden Age of Couture. This is one of my favourite eras of fashion, only just beaten by the 60s. I love the glamour the evening gowns, the intricate beading and the weeks of time and effort put into one gown.

Twiggy 1966

In the late 50s teenagers were first recognized as a social group who didn't want dress the same as their mothers. Teen angst films such as 'Rebel Without a Cause' (1955) and music idols like Elvis Presley and Buddy Holly began to influence fashion, consequently turned the 60s into a 'Youthquake'.

Mary Quant 1964

Mary Quant, is in my opinion, one of the most innovative designers ever. She was a figurehead of the mod movement in the 60s and is one of the designers who claimed to have invented the mini skirt. Whether she invented it or not, she definitely turned it into a wardrobe essential. She made make up fun and exciting, developing lines of glittery nail varnish. Lingerie became sexy and outgoing rather than stuffy and traditional as it was before. Without Mary Quant there would've been no shift dresses, go-go boots, psychedelic prints or mini skirts, all of which were must have items in the 60s.

Hotpants, UK 1975

Yves Saint Laurent, Trousers suit 1967 Safari suit 1969

Janis Joplin at Woodstock 1969

Vivienne Westwood 1977 (aka one of the coolest people who's ever lived)

Madonna 1984

Elizabeth Hurley in Versace 1994

Chanel 1995

Alexander McQueen 1999

WOw I can't believe I wrote so much but seriously this book is amazing and I had to share just part of its awesomeness!

Lots of love,

Tiana x