War Wars, no matter where they are, cause conflicts for any nations involved. For example, during World War 1, America and many other nations were at war against Nazi Germany. During this period, nations all over the world suffered different struggles. In America, many items were rationed and could not be as widely distributed to the people of society as much as they may have been distributed pre-war. Fabric was just one of the many items rationed during the war, among them rubber, metal, and the like. The rationing of fabric caused the fashion industry great problems. People began making their own clothes with the invention of sewing machines available for home use. Citizens began making clothes for themselves because it was cheaper than buying clothes from stores, largely thanks to the rationing during war time. As a reaction to the higher prices of certain fabrics Americans began purchasing other types of cheaper fabric, which gave way to newer and more common uses. For example, as opposed to using silk, Americans would choose cotton. Communication was lost with foreign nations such as France, home to the style capital of the world. World War 1 proved to be a challenge to the fashion industry, impacting it in more ways than one.
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The effect that war has had on fashion around the turn of the 21st century is surprisingly important. Since 2001 America has been at war with Afghanistan and later on Iraq; the influence from this national distress plays a large role. Much like the early 20th century when people felt a sense of patriotism by participating in rationing goods , clothing has recently been fashioned after camouflage, blazers, uniformed jackets and the American flag. These symbolized an increased awareness of our country’s dilemma and a sense of participation of citizens who wanted to show respect to their country. As seen in many documents and interviews, designers of driven by the current problems and surroundings that they see and feel, and at the turn of the century, war was, and still is, a driving force in apparel choice. |
Feminism During the first wave of feminism, style began to evolve as the women of this period began to change their ways of life. Less and less women would stay in the home tending to their husbands and cleaning all day. More women chose to venture out on their own and become more independent. With this independence came a new sense of style-based freedom. Women moved out of the typical Edwardian era dress and into the free-falling and looser fitting styles of dress. These women were commonly referred to as "New Women", and they made their presence known. Their fashion was less centered around tightly bound corsets and heavy, large dresses, and more centered around the "look of the future". Dresses closely related to the flapper dress came into existence, making space for a women who looked much different than that of the previous era. Women would often wear driving clothes as well, something that came with their new wave of independence. The first wave of feminism not only shaped the way women began to think, but it also shaped the way they chose to dress.
International Influence The fashion capital of the world, Paris, largely came into the spotlight during the turn of the century in the 1900's. It was there that many of the great designers in history got their start. Among these influential designers were Coco Chanel and Paul Poiret, each masters of their craft. During the early 1900's this duo and many others began to impact the way style and fashion was expressed in the United States. As the nation moved out of the Edwardian era foreign designers made it a habit to eventually make their mark in New York City. It was not until later in history that other fashion powerhouse capitals such as Milan, Italy came into existence. Paris is and was, by far, the most influential place in all of fashion history.
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In the 21st century and the decade leading up to it, masculine women’s clothing became more popular; this had a lot to do with feminism and the idea of how women should be treated. Women have been socially accepted into business atmospheres and entrepreneurships, thus altering necessary clothing choice. At a top of the line company a woman is no longer expected to wear an apron or smock-instead a classy blouse, pencil skirt and heels are much more appropriate. The professional look has transferred into dozens of designers’ collections, providing options for the new generation of working women. Also in contrast to 100 years prior, women are not expected to completely cover themselves in head to toe dress wear; jeans a tee-shirt are culturally common. Despite taking almost a century, women’s dressage has evolved drastically to accommodate multiple suffrage movements.
21st century American style is not just US made products and inspiration. It is a collection of designers from all different parts of the world coming from different backgrounds and cultures, deriving influence from what they are surrounded by. Fashion Weeks in places such as Milan, London, Paris, New York and other fashion capitals bring together a host of new clothing. Along with slews of designers from around the world, use of countries’ “deals” and tariffs on fabric impact the money that can be made off of cheaper labor in other countries such as China, Thailand, Laos, Mexico and Taiwan. |
Advertisement Throughout the history of the United States, technology has proven to advance the way people percieve fashion. Without the advantage of all the technology present in this day and age, advertisements targeted different groups of people, as well as different places. In the early 1900's there was no such thing as the internet, cell phones, or computers. All of these things assist communication between not only people in America, but people in other countries as well. During the early 1900's large fashion corporations were not as popular as they are now. Take JC Penny's and Walmart for example. One would be able to purchase every piece of clothing they could possibly need at one store as opposed to shopping at speciality stores. Companies are able to send personalized advertisements to one's home or find them online, but during the turn of the 20th century magazines, newspaper, and later radio were the largest form of advertisement.
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Thanks to technological advancements in television, internet, photography and communication, advertising in the fashion has erupted. Magazine volumes spill with tastefully designed pages meant to indulge the reader in snapshots of the newest crazes. Television and radio can not only showcase certain looks but whole companies, along with online shopping sites, paid programming and a consistent updating of what is “in”. Blogs, for example, provide personal opinion analysis of designers and fashion and allow free expression to be heard.
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