Fashion?Does Fashion Impact Society or Society Impact

WOMEN IN FASHION

DOES FASHION IMPACT SOCIETY OR SOCIETY IMPACT FASHION?

From watching 2017s fashion month taking place with weeks in Paris, Milan, New York and London, I was proud to not only see fashion in an aesthetically pleasing form, but also including political and immensely relevant symbolism.

Models from Dior, one of the most well-known and respected names in fashion, took to the runway wearing slogan t-shirts emblazoned with “We Should All Be Feminists,” extolling messages reflecting the recent feminist marches. By using their social platform, Dior was successfully able to present an important message to the world, of equality in gender and exposing the prejudice which 2017 still carries. Dior and other fashion houses triumphed in capturing the message of female rights through clothing, putting a highly positive spin on what fashion in the future will present. This made me question, has fashion in the past reflected current political trends and if so did it change political opinion? Starting in 1917, England had been at war for three years, women were needed to fill the men’s roles, keeping the country at home running. Women’s fashion was forced to change, accommodating their evolved place in society as the age of excess was over. The image of masculinity has always been associated with uniform, known as a symbol of status and honourable duty. Woman were as much involved in the war as men were, having to hold together the health of a nation. Replicating the image of soldiers, women’s fashion was hugely reflective of the power of uniform and the effect it had on appearance, giving woman a newfound respect and strength, having as much armour as a man. This breakthrough in fashion, presented women based on their ability to survive in a world diseased by war. As soon as fashion takes steps forward, prejudice pushes it back and when the men returned from war, women were forced out of jobs and made to return to the housewife appearance, clearly the progression of fashion’s effect was slow and uneasy. 1967 is renowned for its fresh, new and liberating fashion for women, moving away from the conservative 1950s and the constraints with the covered up and modest clothing, the 1960s felt like an explosive difference. The introduction of the contraceptive pill created a more sexualised and liberated style of fashion. Miniskirts were revolutionary, destroying perceptions of the housewife ideal. Women were finally taking back control of their clothing and fashion and the rising of the skirt length, became a big step in women’s fashion liberation. Colour and pattern was exalted in clothing, truly reflecting the pop art and modern art movements with its boldness and released creativity. New ideals of women were introduced, figures such as Twiggy who didn’t fit the conventional idealism but instead sparked a difference in what a model should be, presenting that change was inevitable and that it would never drift back to the ancient belief of modesty. Looking back at past fashion in conjunction with political events and changes in society, shows just how much politics is affected by fashion and also how much fashion affects society’s attitudes. The long battle for the women’s vote is translated in fashion history, women having to give up their newly given power in society as soon as the men came back from war to take it. Going from wearing the strength of a uniform back to the floral tea dress. Fashion, however, is able to honestly translate the opinions and culture of its time, linking to not only the creative art forms but also the political state in which the world is in, showing fashion’s importance in understanding past societies and eras. Eloise G (Lower Sixth)