The history of fashion development: how did fashion appear? Fashion: from ancient times to the present day Fashion eras by years.

What is better - a skin or a corset, a shoe with a toe to the knee or a 20 cm platform? Who invented fashion and why, when will it end, and why do fashion designers copy the past all the time? We understand the history of fashion.

Fashion history until the 20th century

The word "fashion" has Latin roots - it comes from the word "modus" (measure, moderation, size). It appeared in Russian during the time of Peter I. What is symbolic - from the French "mode" (fashion), because Paris is considered the place where fashion appeared. Fashion - as the dominance of a certain style of clothing, not supported by natural or social necessity. Skins in the Bronze Age were popular, but not fashionable, they helped to survive in a harsh climate. But the huge noses of the shoes, high platforms, long trains of dresses, corsets and other elements that are not needed to survive or emphasize status - the beginning of fashion history. It appeared in the XII-XIII centuries and for a long time remained a part of the life of the elite, nobles, kings and the rich. Mass fashion became only in the 20th century, which was facilitated by the creation of the ready-to-wear style - boutiques of ready-made dresses.

The history of fashion before the 20th century is interesting only to professional historians, but we emphasize that many extravagant ideas of modern fashion designers originate in the amazing fashion of the Middle Ages and the New Age. In the 19th century, along with emancipation, revolutions, the Napoleonic Wars and the struggle for human rights, the struggle for comfortable clothes and shoes begins. First of all, of course, this applies to women who are forced to wear corsets of the Victorian era, famous for the fact that it was customary to wear crinolines on the legs of pianos with round tips so that they did not look too vulgar.

Fashionable 20th century

In the 20th century, fashion changes rapidly and irrevocably, although it moves rather in a spiral, constantly evolving and returning to the trends of past decades.

Early 20th century

"Belle Epoque" Art Nouveau style. Refusal of movement-restricting, massive outfits, emphasis on harmony, balance between aesthetics and expediency. Shoes - comfortable with a small heel.

20s

women wear short hair dancing charleston and tango. Men change from a jacket with striped trousers to a jacket. Coco Chanel designs the little black dress. Women's skirts become shorter, shoes turn into an accessory that emphasizes the length of the legs. The twenties are the time of famous shoemakers Salvatore Ferragamo, Andre Perugia and Charles Jordan. Fashion includes platform shoes, open-toed shoes and sandals.

30s

Simplicity replaces open sexuality. A fashion for soft, flowing, feminine clothing with a "sensible" length. Ruffles, bows and ruffles are again popular. Hair is long and carefully styled. Classic high heels.

40s

A time of severe trials and a shortage of materials for the production of simple things. Clothes from the battlefields are in fashion, women try on men's clothes. Coco Chanel creates a tweed suit for women. Shoes are preferred with low heels, the practicality of shoes is important.

50s

The post-war world, almost like the posters of the Soviet Union, is full of hopes for a brighter future. Women get the right to wear trousers without causing general censure. A variety of hairstyles, rhinestones and patterns are in fashion. Roger Vivier reinforces his heels with a steel rod and reveals stilettos to the world.

60s

cultural, sexual and fashion revolution. Youth fashion, mini-dresses, unisex style and hippies appear. The most famous model sixties - big-eyed Twiggy with short hair. Shoes with square heels are in fashion, stocking boots are worn with mini.

70s

Italy is one of the centers of world fashion. The return of femininity, classic and restrained female images. The Disco style appears with bright makeup and massive jewelry. Wedge shoes are in fashion, platforms up to 20 cm. Hippies prefer Wellingtons and sabo.

80s

Return of the aggressive female sexuality in clothes. Passion for aerobics, everyone wears bright bodysuits and leggings. Loose fit clothes, bright makeup and perms for women. Shoes - platforms, sharp noses shoes and boots. Stiletto heels are quite combined with a women's business suit.

90s

Unisex in clothes and shoes, minimalism and passion for "ecological style". The height of the heel is reduced, the fashion for platforms from the 70s is returning.

Time passes, fashion changes, develops, returns to the past, draws inspiration from it and again makes you change your wardrobe. In the 21st century, it has already changed several trends, and not even two decades have passed. But it was the 20th century that made it fast, impetuous and changeable. Follow fashion, but do not change your taste.

Fashion is something unsteady and fickle, but at the same time integral to our lives. Once born, it changed, but still continued to live. Can the history of fashion be traced? Yes, if you go a little deeper into the centuries and see what and how our ancestors preferred to wear.

What time can be considered the birth of fashion

Today, fashion is an integral part of our lives, but it was not always so. The costume of the first people was only animal skins and served the sole purpose of keeping warm in order to survive. It is unlikely that in those harsh times our ancestors thought about which skin is more beautiful and which one is more prestigious to wear.

The emergence of the first major civilizations also did not bring into the world any single style that we can call fashion. The costumes and decorations were very varied and attractive, but each nation had its own individual style. There were practically no identical items in the clothes of representatives from different parts of the world, and any foreign outfits were strange and outlandish.




And only since the 14th century can we talk about the emergence of fashion in its modern sense. France, Paris is called her homeland. Since that time, noble women from European countries have been creating for themselves very extravagant high headdresses. They are fabric constructions to which cones are attached with pins. Such a headdress was called a "hat with horns". Fantasy is of great importance.

Further development of fashion

During the Renaissance, silk and velvet became fashionable. The main trendsetter of style in the 15th century was Venice. In women's outfits, such details as a long train, a neckline that is becoming bolder, and sleeves with cutouts - kreve are noted. Hair is becoming more and more important. Venetian women wear high chignons (false hair) on their heads and tie them with thin scarves. Their faces are framed by black velvet covers.


From the middle of the 16th century, Spanish stiffness became popular. Decollete disappears. Now dresses with blind collars and high starched collars. in fashion bouffant skirts with linings and shoes on props. Perfume is of great importance, because. in connection with a number of events, the habit of washing often is being replaced.

In the future, France again becomes a trendsetter. The whole world is guided by the outfits of beautiful French women, there are vowels and unspoken laws of beauty. Parisian magazines of fashion and style acquire almost worldwide distribution. Trends change very rapidly. From the 17th to the 19th century, preference was given to:

  • Free and natural lines women's dress
  • Hairstyles with bangs framing the face
  • Then extravagant jewelry from feathers, abundant ruffles, lace, jabot
  • Wigs
  • Velvet flies
  • 18th century - Rococo style, ornamentation, regular lines, wide hats
  • The 19th century brought rigid corsets, crinoline, long sleeves into fashion.


Fashion yesterday and today

Since the 20th century, the trendsetters are no longer royalty and their courtiers, but designers. It was during this period that most of the world famous fashion houses were opened. Each decade of the 20th century brought with it new trends. Famous fragrances appear, make-up plays an increasingly important role. Gradually, there is a rejection of corsets and long skirts.

Women are getting more and more freedom. Since the 1950s, trousers have been worn along with men. Preference is given to fragile women with a thin waist and rounded hips. After another 20 years, jeans and overalls appear, a free and relaxed style becomes fashionable. The 90s - the reign of unisex style.

Fashion is something unsteady and fickle, but at the same time integral to our lives. Once born, it changed, but still continued to live. Can the history of fashion be traced? Yes, if you go a little deeper into the centuries and see what and how our ancestors preferred to wear.

What time can be considered the birth of fashion

Today, fashion is an integral part of our lives, but it was not always so. The costume of the first people was only animal skins and served the sole purpose of keeping warm in order to survive. It is unlikely that in those harsh times our ancestors thought about which skin is more beautiful and which one is more prestigious to wear.

The emergence of the first major civilizations also did not bring into the world any single style that we can call fashion. The costumes and decorations were very varied and attractive, but each nation had its own individual style. There were practically no identical items in the clothes of representatives from different parts of the world, and any foreign outfits were strange and outlandish.

And only since the 14th century can we talk about the emergence of fashion in its modern sense. France, Paris is called her homeland. Since that time, noble women from European countries have been creating for themselves very extravagant high headdresses. They are fabric constructions to which cones are attached with pins. Such a headdress was called a "hat with horns". Fantasy is of great importance.

Further development of fashion

During the Renaissance, silk and velvet became fashionable. The main trendsetter of style in the 15th century was Venice. In women's outfits, such details as a long train, a neckline that is becoming bolder, and sleeves with cutouts - kreve are noted. Hair is becoming more and more important. Venetian women wear high chignons (false hair) on their heads and tie them with thin scarves. Their faces are framed by black velvet covers.

From the middle of the 16th century, Spanish stiffness became popular. Decollete disappears. Now dresses with blind collars and high starched collars. Puffy skirts with linings and shoes with props are in fashion. Perfume is of great importance, because. in connection with a number of events, the habit of washing often is being replaced.

In the future, France again becomes a trendsetter. The whole world is guided by the outfits of beautiful French women, there are vowels and unspoken laws of beauty. Parisian magazines of fashion and style acquire almost worldwide distribution. Trends change very rapidly. From the 17th to the 19th century, preference was given to:

  • Free and natural lines of women's dress
  • Hairstyles with bangs framing the face
  • Then extravagant feather decorations, abundant ruffles, lace, jabot
  • Wigs
  • Velvet flies
  • 18th century - Rococo style, ornamentation, regular lines, wide hats
  • The 19th century brought rigid corsets, crinoline, long sleeves into fashion.

Fashion yesterday and today

Since the 20th century, the trendsetters are no longer royalty and their courtiers, but designers. It was during this period that most of the world famous fashion houses were opened. Each decade of the 20th century brought with it new trends. Famous fragrances appear, make-up plays an increasingly important role. Gradually, there is a rejection of corsets and long skirts.

Women are getting more and more freedom. Since the 1950s, trousers have been worn along with men. Preference is given to fragile women with a thin waist and rounded hips. After another 20 years, jeans and overalls appear, a free and relaxed style becomes fashionable. The 90s - the reign of unisex style.

“Fashion is a plant for the production of desires!”

The term "fashion" comes from the French "facon" - "way".

When fashion was born as a socio-historical phenomenon, it is difficult to say. But even if the inhabitants of the Stone Age never thought about this phenomenon, it took place. Even the peculiar tying of animal skins on the body formed people's own preferences and tastes. Of the accessories, there were only decorations, represented by stones, amber, fangs and animal bones. Actually, mind you, nothing has changed now: we still prefer jewelry made of amber and stone, and not necessarily precious.

In 2900 BC, many peoples were already developing their own style of dress. For example, in Babylon, special attention was paid to the color of fabrics - at that time, red was considered fashionable. The inhabitants wore long woolen shawls with fringes, throwing them over light tunics.

Raincoats, capes and different kind The world knew hats even before the countdown we were accustomed to. Our era began with silk, which in the 400s spread throughout Europe. Yes, and trips to the East contributed to the discovery by Europeans bright outfits, decorated with pearls, and products made from animal furs, which were rarely seen in the West.

In any case, clothes and accessories were a kind of non-verbal communication through which people wanted to show what class they belong to, what they do professionally, in what region they live.

The gray tones of the Middle Ages made people dull and monotonous, but even simple robes had simple ornaments or primitive decorations. For example, pilgrims set off on their long journey in hats decorated with shells. This period is considered the most violent in the history of fashion. Everywhere with wigs under which something was wrong, women used poisonous powder with lead and arsenic, thanks to which they achieved a noble skin color to show their high origin.

A little later than 1500, Europe comes to life: lush multi-colored outfits, wide-brimmed hats, ostrich feathers, jewelry from precious stones, fashion for velvet and muffs, distribution of perfume. In the 1630s, France becomes a trendsetter, the first salons and fashion shops open, and attention is focused on what the king and queen wear. By the way, Queen Marie Antoinette was considered the most elegant woman in France in the 18th century - all subjects at court followed her example. She allowed her own milliner to dress everyone by order and introduced the shirt dress into fashion.


(Albert Edwin Flury Portrait of Marie Antoinette)

Beauty and fashion for it will not stand even for the craziest ideas: various structures are being erected on the head - it could be flowers, ships, baskets with fruits and vegetables, dolls, etc. Perhaps Sarah Jessica Parker looked behind the historical curtain when she decided to go out in an acorn hat.

During the reign of Napoleon Bonaparte, "ancient" fashion is recognized as official. In the same years appears safety pin which will eventually become one of the most fashion accessories. In 1853, Levi Strauss created the first jeans, which at first shocked society. Born in the 1860s high-fashion- haute couture, which is talked about so much today. Yes, it was Paris that became the beginning of the birth of the “great”, and only then New York, Milan, London and Tokyo picked up the baton. The world has completely changed!

Fashion at all times promoted the cult of the body, fashion trends were determined by public moods and events taking place in the life of society, changing the way people live. Many girls do not even realize that between today's fashion trends and the fashion of the 1900s have a lot in common. Let's plunge into a digression of history and look at the fashion of the past century.

Fashion 1900

Women's fashion in the era of the 1900s changed along with progressive changes in society and global events, such as the first and second world wars, the transition from a housewife woman to an independent woman, which naturally reflected in fashion.

Today, many people think: “the more I undress, the more I will be successful,” in fact, this is not so. The more I hide everything that I have, the more interest I will arouse in a man. Making the illusion of a waist, chest and hips, not showing everything at once - that's what attracts a man. On subconscious level a man understands that you are not a dissolute woman and that you can build a relationship with you.

The attitude towards nudity in the 1900s was completely different than today, women at that time wore Long Dresses and were strongly pulled away by corsets so that their waist became like an hourglass. If today many actresses are ready to undress for filming in glossy magazines and for most people this is considered normal, then in the 1900s women did not allow themselves such actions and it was considered debauchery. The fashion of this time tried to emphasize the feminine nature, to show the man what he loves the most, namely the contrast between the chest, waist and hips, but veiled. Even the makeup slightly emphasized the features of the face and was almost invisible. The fashion of those years created a unique way of life and the models of this time correspond to the grace and fragility of the Art Nouveau period. A heavily cinched waist, open sleeves, a large hat, dresses made with a beautiful train, finished with a long train - all this is now back in fashion. Rounded shapes were in fashion, the fullness of a woman meant her health, if the girl had thinness, then it was believed that she was not healthy.

A big revolution in the fashion of the 20th century was made by Russian ballet. S.P. Diaghilev in 1909 brings Russian ballet to Paris at the Chatelet Theatre. To attract a large audience, the dancers of his troupe wore bras instead of corsets, which were introduced into fashion in 1903, but became popular only after the days of the Russian ballet in Paris, they had an open stomach and open arms. Diaghilev's troupe was also not thin, the ballet in those days was different from today.

To the first world war in 1914, fashion changes dramatically. The men go to the front. For the first time in human history, women are single. All male duties fall on the shoulders of women, women go to work - as sisters of mercy in the army, in trade, in factories and factories, learning male professions, which was the beginning of emancipation. In connection with this, the cult of female beauty is changing - rounded shapes go out of fashion. Since there were no such women left by the end of the war in 1918, the war brought stress, hunger and suffering, women had to work hard, wear work clothes that only men had previously worn. The cult of the curvaceous ladies is fading away as there are no more of them due to food shortages.

At the end of the war, the designer Paul Poiret, famous in those days in France, changed his attitude towards women's clothing, he completely excludes the corset from women's clothing. Clothing is held around the neck, it becomes possible to expose the back. The back becomes the main subject of interest for men. The new silhouette is more like a board - it is straight, completely simplified, the haircut was shortened hair, the style was called "la garçonne" - from French into Russian it can be translated as "girl-guy" or "tomboy". Women allow themselves even more - they change into transparent muslin dresses, beaded and glass beads, which were often worn on the naked body. The woman's make-up became bright.

Skirts are getting shorter. This led to a rise in sexuality, women felt more liberated and free. Emphatically free lifestyle was fashionable in those days, women got the right to vote.

1920s fashion

The beauty canon of a woman of the 20s - she has a short haircut with bangs, black eyelids, small lips, flat chest, a short knee-length dress without emphasizing the waist, which is held on a strap around the neck and a cigarette, smoking was fashionable in those days.

And those women who discovered the world of male power and male professions: they did hard work in the rear, worked in factories and provided all possible assistance to frontline soldiers, these women in the 1920s independently entered the sport, women's amateur football teams, hockey teams, female boxing. Women begin to lose their femininity, they have a desire to show their strength.

In the 1920s, many women's clubs appeared. Men in the post-war years are not enough for everyone. A woman is forced to bear the burden of duties that men used to carry. And this is reflected in the fashion of the 20s. Women gradually change into men's clothing, pants and boots, short haircuts and a men's jacket.

Mixed beaches are allowed, earlier men's and women's beaches were divided. The Floria beach in Constantinople is considered the first mixed beach. Now women are more likely to spend time on the beach in order to meet men. A tanned body is in fashion.

The fashion of the 30s is a rollback. Lush forms and smooth lines emphasizing grace are returning to fashion. female figure, the chaotic emancipated years were replaced by the sensual thirties. Long dresses are in fashion again, hiding everything that emancipated women showed. However, the make-up remained bright. Having received the same rights as a man, a woman realized that she did not have to be like a man and compete with him in brute force, her role was to be fragile, sensual and vulnerable.

Fashion of the 40s

The fashion of the 40s was inspired by the Second World War. Especially during the war, there was a shortage of fabrics, many dresses were altered from old ones, platform shoes were in fashion, women lost the opportunity to take care of their hair, so the main accessory for a woman was a turban, long hair were combed up and hidden in turbans, so women wore high hairstyles. Broad shoulders in women's clothing. Military style and dark practical shades are in fashion: dark brown, burgundy. Bags were often square in the form of a bandolier, python and crocodile leather are in vogue, because all other types of leather go to the uniforms of soldiers. The back zipper gained popularity and was on almost all women's dresses.

After the end of the Second World War, a sporty and toned female body, large shapes and an accentuated waist, a cult of sports and women's activism, were in fashion. This is due to the fact that women took an active part in labor activity in the postwar years.

Fashion 50s

In the 1950s, corsets came back into fashion, emphasizing the wasp waist of a woman, just like in the 1900s, the differences were only in the openness of modern outfits, since some of them had a wide neckline. The fashion of the 50s copies almost everything from the fashion of the early twentieth century. Checkered tight-fitting trousers, checkered jackets and dresses, as well as polka dot dresses are in fashion. Women's shoulders become narrow again. The main feature is slenderness and elegance, round hats and pointed shoes - all this emphasizes the independent image of a woman.

Fashion 60s

In the 1960s, petite women were in fashion. The sexual revolution contributed to the emergence special images- doll faces, thinness, loose straight hair, short loose haircuts, small dresses or daring miniskirts. Flights into space are reflected in fashion, in the form of unusual outfits for girls, which are not widely used among the masses. The hippie movement in 1968 brings its changes into fashion, so a unisex style appears, men's cut shirts and trousers, only a slender figure, high boots and long hair, “love” and “peace” stripes and stickers distinguish women from men.

Fashion 70s

In the 1970s, several styles are observed: the hippie style that is gaining popularity, as well as punk, glam rock, unisex and bohemian style. Flared trousers, flowing fabrics, clothes with bright prints and fringe. Among hippies, light summer dresses in bright colors are most popular in combination with a denim jacket or denim vest; hippies preferred sandals or light boots from shoes. Their hands and necks were decorated with beads made of natural materials and baubles. The hippie style is an American style, it was considered folklore and took its inspiration from the Indian tribes. Bohemian style was represented by dresses and sundresses using chiffon. The bohemian style emphasized romance and femininity by using wide sleeves, pleats and lace embroidery in the images of women.

80s fashion

The 1980s are the years of the predominance of several styles again:

  • youth hip-hop - street style,
  • sports style - aerobics and fitness (came into fashion and gained popularity),
  • aggressive sexuality - this style of a woman passed from the TV screens and came to life.

The concept of the beauty of the female body is changing - slender are in fashion, sports girls. The film industry has had a significant impact on women. It became fashionable what the main characters of the films wore, and basically they were fashion brands from Versace, Valentino, Emanuel Ungaro, Cerutti, Chanel, Christian Lacroix. Women tried to be like the main characters of the blue screen and bought clothes of famous brands with great desire.

In the eighties, women prove to society that they are not worse than men able to run a business. They do business, create financial corporations, or hold key positions in multi-million dollar companies - this is how the concept of a business woman appears. The image of a business woman is a strict and elegant style business woman: fitted dresses, trouser suits, jackets and jackets with broad shoulders, evening dresses.

90s fashion

In the 1990s, grunge and hip-hop styles are most popular among teenage girls, as in the world of youth music, stars show hip-hop street style. Another reason for the popularity of the style is convenience in Everyday life of this clothing: jeans, T-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, shoes could be worn comfortable sneakers and boots.

Thanks to the Nirvana group, grunge became popular in the nineties, the group was a huge success among young people and teenagers wanted to be like Kurt Cobain. Young girls wore sweaters two sizes too big and baggy jeans, showing their indifference to fashion. A characteristic feature of the style is negligence in clothing. Adherents of the style wore: shirts with outstretched elbows, ripped jeans, T-shirts, leather jackets, sneakers and heavy boots. Grunge, with its features, remotely resembled the hippie era, but was deprived of the lightness of that style.

In Russia in the nineties, after the collapse of the USSR, clothes came from Western Europe, as well as Turkey and China. Many clothing markets offered clothes of different quality at reasonable prices. Everything that was fashionable in the West after the fall of the Iron Curtain was happily accepted in Russia along with Western films and consumer goods.

Fashion 2000

The year two thousand has arrived. Frank outfits have come into fashion, apparently due to the lack of materials and the depletion of the planet's resources, all clothes are becoming exactly two times shorter. In fashion: short tops, mini-skirts, open sleeves and deep necklines, minimalism in clothes, and it doesn’t matter whether the girl has a slender body or she has curvaceous. Of course, the priority is girls who devote time to fitness.

Short cocktail dresses are replacing long ones evening dresses and along with this, a clutch comes to replace the handbag.

Among teenagers, denim style is in fashion, which has changed a lot since the hip-hop era of the nineties. The denim style has changed, it has become more vivid and feminine - skinny jeans, low-waisted jeans with holes at the knees, embellished with a rhinestone pattern, fitted denim jackets and jackets. This style of clothing is not at all like what teenage girls wore in the nineties.

At the end of the article, I would like to note:

Beauty is a unique aesthetic representation. As soon as beauty becomes replicated, it ceases to be beauty and often becomes vulgarity. Therefore, fashion is always an effort on oneself, and as soon as you dress comfortably and comfortably (as hundreds of thousands of other women do), you already become not fashionable, but replicated. Therefore, always in any era, beauty requires sacrifice and suffering from a woman, suffering on heels, from a diet, from false eyelashes. Beauty is effort.

Usually, fashion changes dramatically every ten years, minor changes occur every six months. Fashion can only be seen through the prism of the past, no one has ever been able to foresee fashion, we can only assume. Fashion depends on global changes in the world, on events that make people look at things differently and change their lifestyle, update their fashion wardrobe accordingly. Fashion helped people find themselves, fashion is a lever with which a woman achieved self-expression.



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