It is obvious that the fashion elements in each decade complement the previous decade. Although old designs have their permanence, on the other hand, fashion is always dynamic. For example, the fashion industry entered a new stage of diversity and breaking taboos in the 60s and recorded its name in the history of the fashion industry. For a more detailed explanation, we have dedicated this article to the study of fashion in the 60s.
A short transition to the fashion of the 50s
According to fashion critics, people in the early 1950s were like prisoners in a frame and were not very capable of getting out of it. An important cause was related to the effects of war; Until the mid-1950s, although food and clothing facilities were the same as before, many people were still afraid of repeating the wartime situation and could not cope with the new conditions for a long time. Since during the war and even a few years after, food and clothing items were rationed and people were used to this routine, getting out of this situation was like a dream come true for them. Basically, they were happy because they no longer had the previous conditions and did not pay much attention to details.
Also, the fashion industry in the 1950s was under the reign of the rich and mature class of society. For example, these were famous adult artists who introduced fashion to the whole society. For this reason, the fashion between adults, teenagers and even in some cases children’s fashion did not differ much; The field of changing this situation started when the new generation did not accept the current conditions and tried to break those frameworks in different ways.
For this reason, the transformations of the fashion industry began in the mid-1950s. When people no longer had much inclination towards the established frameworks; Because they wanted to wear whatever they like or make their style components completely according to their taste and since they didn’t care how they looked, they wore clothes that questioned the norms and were different. Of course, we should keep in mind that famous cinema and music artists also tried in this direction, but these efforts reached their full results in the 60s.
Review of fashion in the 60s
The beginning of the young fashion period
At the beginning of the 60s, the income of young people reached its highest level after the end of World War II. The increase in economic power among young people caused the need to express their identity to increase. Since the fashion industry and designers are always moving forward according to the needs of the society, they came into action by presenting new designs to protest the repetitive and uniform style of the clothes of generations. These plans included very important and decisive measures for the fashion industry.
Opening new boutiques according to new fashion elements
Since in the 1950s, France and Paris as the capital of fashion set the course for other countries, the fashion designers of England began to open boutiques in the city of London that sold affordable clothes in order to destroy this dominance. to empower the youth. Marie Quant and John Stephen were the pioneers of this new business, and since they had a minimalist view of aesthetics, they designed and produced clothes that reflected this view. For example, they prioritized bright colors, which was not common in the previous decade.
The revolution of boutiques
A few years after the beginning of this movement, such boutiques took over the power of the fashion industry. Because they gave their young customers the opportunity to combine their favorite pieces with any color and as they like, and of course, bright colors were their main choice. It didn’t take long for the reputation of these boutiques to spread in other European countries and it caused a new face of London to be introduced all over the world and some of the clothes became the most iconic styles of the decade. Also, other influential designers like Barbara Hulanicki focused on short dresses like Marie Quant. Marion Funnell and Sally Taffin also became famous for designing whimsical daily wear as well as coats and trousers for women.
Increasing women’s courage in wearing taboo-breaking clothes
In general, women played a major role in changing the fashion of the new decade. Either those who had the courage to wear taboo-breaking clothes, or those who tried to keep the elements of the previous decade with minor updates. The fashion changes of the 60s are known as the women’s revolution.
Examining the important dimensions of fashion in the 60s
Luxury fashion
Popular fashion in the United States from 1960 to 1962 was introduced with the first lady of the United States, Jacqueline Kennedy, the wife of the then president of the United States, John F. Kennedy. It should be noted that Jacqueline Kennedy’s fashion was at the highest level of that period and other women could imitate Jacqueline Kennedy as much as they could afford it. Apart from these prominent female artists in the field of acting and singing, they still had an impact on the modern industry as in the previous decade, which we will discuss further.
Space age fashion
In 1963 to 1966, the influence of famous science fiction movies and TV series such as Star Trek and Lost in Space encouraged clothing designers to design clothes with prominent and striking shapes from new synthetic fabrics. For example, a French fashion designer named André Courrèges was very influential in the development of this type of fashion. Because he drew the attention of the fashion industry and the public by designing a collection for the spring of 1964.
This collection included the following:
1. suit
2. Shirts with a symmetrical silhouette with long skirts
3. Gogo boots
4. Glasses
The young people welcomed this collection. So much so that in the shortest time it became one of the most popular girls’ fashions of the 60s.
Taboo-breaking fashion
In 1964, a British fashion designer named Mary Quant changed the fashion industry forever by designing short skirts. His move, in addition to creating freedom of action in women’s clothing, was also a protest for women’s long dresses. Apart from Marie Quant, Andre Courage also played an important role in the design of these skirts, and both of them were one of the pioneers of short skirt design in the 60s. This was a very important taboo breaking because a limited section of the society had the courage to wear these clothes, but over time these types of clothes were able to establish their position in the fashion industry.
Also, in the early years of the decade, jeans and capri pants became completely popular, and somehow a large number of women found the courage to wear pants as well. But when women started wearing pants or jackets, some different views emerged in the society; Since this issue was not so tangible, some companies and offices banned women from wearing pants in the workplace. Some thought that wearing pants was an insult to femininity; In the case of jackets and pants, there was also the opinion of disrespecting men; Because women’s jackets and pants were completely copied from men’s models, and the only difference was that new models were designed to fit women’s bodies.
But others had the opposite point of view. For example, women need freedom of choice and comfort in clothing as much as men, and they are tired of wearing skirts and long dresses. These topics were printed in fashion magazines and most women read the articles and their desire to wear these clothes increased. The combination of these changes created genderless fashion fields.
New fashion
Following the development of taboo-breaking fashions, modernist designers presented new styles of clothing, which were welcomed by young people. Little by little, tight clothes, which included shirts, blouses and pants, became common among young women. For example, Levi brand pants were the only pants chosen by modernist women; Because in a way he conveyed a sign of being a modernist to others. In general, very short and tight clothes such as sleeveless tunics, along with high and semi-high boots in bright colors formed the fashionable society. In the following years, a type of baggy pants and bell-bottomed jackets became popular in the market, which paved the way for the entry of the hippie style into the fashion industry.
Colorblocking technique
This technique started in 1965. When the famous French fashion designer, Yves Saint Laurent, presented his iconic dress at the fashion festival of the same year, inspired by the magnificent works of the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. In this dress, Yves used the same contrasting combination of colors in geometric shapes (especially squares and rectangles) that Mondrian created in his works. By designing this dress, he showed that using mismatched colors in a collection can create a very impressive visual effect.
Eve’s action not only had a profound effect on the design of clothing style, but also encouraged other designers to reconcile with the world of colors. They also started using bold color contrasts in their projects in every field they worked in and finally it was the people who found the courage to wear these clothes.
The rise of hippie fashion
You’ve probably heard the term 60s hippies. This term was heard by the audience since 1967. Hippie was originally a subculture and counterculture that the young segment of the United States society formed in the form of a movement and protest. This group lived in the Ashbury area of San Francisco, California, and the performance of acid rock, rock, and psychedelic rock was one of the important activities of this group, which attracted the attention of the media and people of different countries. Also, consuming various types of psychoactive drugs while performing music was a lifestyle for the members of this group.
The clothes worn by the hippies of the 60s included worn and faded jeans, dyed shirts. It is interesting to know that they painted them themselves. Also, although hippie women often walked barefoot, there was no gender difference in the overall appearance and styles of hippies. Also, most of the time they wore headbands and their sleeves were puffy. In terms of jewelry, they used necklaces with special emblems that often symbolized peace. The hippie counterculture continued until 1971, and because of the unity that existed between the members of the group, they were able to establish their name in the fashion industry.
The trend of genderless fashion
In 1968, the term unisex was used for the first time in an article in the New York Times magazine that described shoes called Monsters and said that both men and women could easily use them. In the same year, this term was repeated four more times in different places.
In this way, people gradually accepted the concept of genderless clothing. Stores sold clothing such as jeans and sets for the whole family that were not gender-specific. On the other hand, thanks to Yves Saint Laurent, women wore the tuxedo for the first time, which at that time was considered a formal men’s suit and women did not have access to it. By the way, men were also able to distance themselves from their conservative style in choosing clothes; Now men could also wear clothes with cheerful colors and designs and tight pants. The Edwardian shirt, which was a shirt with a narrow stand-up collar and unlike the men’s shirts of that time, did not have a collar, became fashionable during this period.
Review of women’s trend clothes in the 60s
The first part, clothes
1. Colored leggings
These pants were available in black and white, purple and pink colors. This garment became popular because it covered the skin of the legs and other women could safely wear them in any situation they liked.
2. suit
After the advent of genderless fashion, these types of jackets and pants were available in a variety of styles and fabrics.
3. Shift clothes
These dresses were suitable for casual and informal situations such as indoor gatherings or going to the beach. Also, due to being short, they were not suitable for work environment and office. In that period, women who wore skirts or short dresses were considered bold and reckless by the public.
Some shift dresses made women look like dolls due to their accessories like big bows, big round fringes and interesting prints.
The second part, clothing and accessories
Gogo boots
As we mentioned before, gogo boots were an important and iconic style of the 60s. Of course, this was not the first time that women showed interest in wearing white shoes. Because these boots were common among people in the early years of the decade, but over the years, Gogo boots became available to the public in different sizes and models. Women mostly paired these boots with short skirts and shift shirts.
Colorful ornaments
During the 60s, the shape of jewelry changed dramatically. At the beginning of the decade, glitter with statement dimensions was common. Also, jewelry decorated with pearls was also very popular. But in general, the most important aspect about jewelry and ornaments was their colorfulness with striking geometric shapes. But how was colored jewelry obtained?
Undoubtedly, from fake plastics and artificial materials that were available to the public with very bright colors and in various designs.
The third part, hair style and face makeup
In the 60s, women cared about their hairstyles in addition to clothes. So much so that in many people this importance was even higher than wearing jewelry. The most famous and popular women’s hairstyles in this period include the following:
1. In the early 1990s, beehive hair was very popular.
2. Very short hair that Tonygi and Miafaro played an important role in these styles.
3. Chin-length cuts were fashionable in the middle of the decade.
4. Very long straight hair introduced by hippie girls.
5. Jacqueline Kennedy hairstyles
Also, in the middle of the decade, women puffed their hair up to a relatively high height and then blow-dried to create a fluffy and smooth state in their hair at the same time. A lot of hair on the head made the faces look like dolls.
As for face makeup, very thick and trailing eyeliner was very popular among women. The main purpose of this work was to make the eyes bigger. Of course, there were other ways. Such as voluminizing the eyelashes with mascara and shading the eyes with cold colors.
Introducing female fashion icons in the 60s
1. Jacqueline Kennedy
Jacqueline Kennedy’s clothes and overall attractive style were one of the lasting images of fashion in this decade. The stylish first lady of the United States, who had a unique style throughout her stay in the White House. His coats and skirts combined with his special hats and oversized sunglasses are one of the most popular combinations in the fashion industry. Also, her pink style on November 22, 1963, coinciding with the assassination and death of her husband John F. Kennedy, is one of the most iconic dresses of all time in the history of the fashion industry.
2. Twiggy
Leslie Hornby, known as Twiggy, is one of the supermodels and fashion icons of the 1960s. In addition to acting and modeling, she also pursued a singing career and was mostly known for her hairstyles, contrasting eye colors, and voluminous eyelashes. In 1967 and 1968, Twiggy reached the height of his fame due to the publication of his photos in international editions of Vogue magazine.
3. Brigitte Bardot
He was only fifteen years old when his photos were published in Jed Elah magazine. The same photo was enough for Brigitte to attract the attention of modeling agencies and movie directors. Brigitte Bardot was one of the icons of glamor in the 1960s, and her films were always record-breaking at the box office in the United States and Europe. It goes without saying that Brigitte Bardot was French.
4. Jane Fonda
The Oscar-winning actor is one of the legendary icons of the fashion industry in the 1960s. She was known for her extravagant, glamorous dresses, tailored suits and stunning jewelry.
5. Supremes group
The Supremes was a girl band with three members. These members included Diana Ross, Marie Wilson and Florence Ballard. This group worked as the main project of Motown Records in the 60s and is considered the most successful vocal group in the history of the United States. The beautiful style of these three singers made a deep connection between women’s fashion and the music industry. The group’s costumes, hairstyles, and make-up are still being discussed.
Examining the dimensions of men’s fashion in the 60s
The changes in men’s fashion in the mentioned decade were not merely aesthetic, but deeply rooted in the changing social and cultural landscape of the society. The United States and Great Britain significantly influenced these developments. As much as the young generation tried to create innovative styles. These styles mainly challenge traditional norms. Although men’s fashion did not change as much as women’s fashion in the 1960s, there were many changes in it. For example, ties, belts and collars became longer and wider. Also, the hem of the trousers became wider and became famous with the modification of the flare. If we want to check these changes separately, they include the following:
Increasing elegance in sewing
In the early 1960s, a change in men’s fashion began when finesse in men’s tailoring increased. For example, the size of jackets and pants changed; These clothes no longer looked loose and untidy as in the previous decade, but were suitable for each person’s figure. It should be noted that this type of sewing did not only include jackets and pants, but the type of sewing included all men’s clothes.
Emergence of beatnik style
This style was influenced by American writers after World War II, which started in the late 50s and was established in the early 60s. Jack Kerouac, Lucien Carr and Allen Ginsberg were the leaders of this style. This style and its exponents were known for their anti-materialistic and somewhat cynical outlook, but Beatnik was not simply a change in the fashion industry. Rather, it was more of a social political commentary that significantly influenced men’s fashion. And it also influenced the performance of important designers such as Yves Saint Laurent and Christian Dior.
Beatnik fashion included black turtleneck sweaters, tight pants, pointed shoes, and dark smokey glasses. which introduced a stylish and bold look.
The popularity of the Ivy League style
This style was born at the beginning of the decade and was popular among young students. A neat and tidy look first introduced by Ivy League college students. Khaki pants, jeans, sport shirts, polo shirts, and button-down shirts were staples of Ivy League style. Also, in general, this style is a casual style and is used for informal situations.
New fashion
In addition to women’s style, new fashion also appeared in men’s style. In men’s fashion, this style was the complete opposite of the Ivy League style. Tight suits, slim-neck shirts, straight trousers and Chelsea boots were the key elements of this fashion style. The members of the popular music group The Beatles were among the important introducers of the new fashion.
Beach style
This style, in addition to the type of covering, also reflected a lifestyle. The combination of shorts, Hawaiian shirts, sandals and glasses of the Ribon Brand Wayfarer model conveyed the carefree and calm life of beachgoers to the people.
Review of men’s trend clothes in 60s fashion
The first part, clothes
Light colored jackets and pants
In general, the bright color style was one of the important fashion symbols in the 60s. Men could combine light jackets and pants. Of course, the colors were also set, but the combination of colors was one of the fashionable elements of the society, which was very popular among the people.
Cardigans
Cardigans were one of the fashionable styles of the 60s and were introduced by the popular actor of that era, Steve McQueen. These jackets had a lot of variety and were popular among men because of the freedom of choice. The combination of these jackets with jeans and neck scarf was one of the trend styles of the decade.
Long sleeve polo shirts
These shirts were popular among men as they were a smart alternative to formal shirts and ties.
The second part, clothing and accessories
Chelsea boots
These boots were legendary in popularity among men. From Elvis Presley, Paul McCartney and John Lennon to ordinary people wore these boots. Although the first production of boots dates back to 1851 and in different years, it was known by many names among people, but in the 60s it was known as Chelsea.
The third part, hair styles
Popular hairstyles in 60s fashion included Ivy League, short bob, bowl, Beatles and duck tail.
The Ivy League style is still popular among people and with a little change, young men still apply it to their hair.
– Those who chose the short thick style often banged the front part of their hair and the sides were either longer or shorter than the front hair. The length of the front hair often reaches below the eyebrows.
– The bowl style was such that the front and surrounding hairs are cut in a round shape. The final look looks like a standing bowl!
– The Beatles style was derived from the hairstyles of the Beatles band members. The front part of the hair was bangs and the side hair was usually shorter than the bangs.
Introducing the fashion icons of men in the 60s
Allen Delon
In the 60s, the formal and casual style of the famous French actor Alain Delon, both in his films and in real life, forever influenced the fashion world. He is one of the most important fashion icons in the history of the fashion industry, who will enter his ninth decade in three years!
Steve McQueen
The most important thing about Steve McQueen’s style is that he introduced a new style to the fashion industry in his movie with every scenario and registered his name as a fashion icon of the 60s.
Michael Caine
This talented actress is known for her formal style since the 60s. In his famous movies, he used to match the coat and pants with the boots.
Malcolm X
He was a human rights activist and defender of the rights of African Americans. Malcolm X was famous for his struggles against racial discrimination. His style was also famous for this and attracted attention. The combination of light-colored suits with long and narrow ties, shaved hair, black half-rimmed prescription glasses were the components of his style. Also, in the early 1990s, famous Hollywood actor Denzel Washington played the role of Malcolm X in the movie of the same name, re-evoking his style in people’s minds.
The Beatles
The members of the legendary group The Beatles were inspired by the National Museums of Liverpool. Their style had a great impact on their success, and the importance of this image for the audience, more than their music, contributed to the group’s progress.
Introducing the most important fashion designers who influenced the fashion of the 60s
1. Yves Saint Laurent
As we mentioned throughout the article, Yves Saint Laurent was one of the fashion designers who had a great influence on the fashion of the 60s. He forever registered his name in the fashion industry of this decade by introducing the color blocking technique and designing clothes under the title of genderless fashion.
2. Marie Quant
After her success in designing short skirts, Marie Quant became famous as one of the designers who tried for women’s free fashion. He also became popular by attracting the attention of the fashion industry to England.
3. Andre Korges
He introduced his creativity in design to the fashion industry by designing his collection of clothes for the spring of 1964. Although the clothes of this collection were not seen much, the trending of Gogo’s shoes was enough for his name to remain in the fashion of the 60s.
4. Coco Chanel
The successful designer of the era, Ms. Cocoshenel is considered one of the controversial people of that decade due to her opposition to short skirts and their trending. Also, although he was not so opposed to genderless styles. But he believed that the elements of women’s style should always be preserved.
final word
In this article, we tried to examine all aspects related to fashion in the 60s together. The fashion of this decade is very important because of the extensive changes after the Second World War. If you want to use the elements of this decade in your style, which pattern or combination would you choose? Share your thoughts with us.
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