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How Trends Rise and Fall
Written By: Amanda Johnson
I bet the first thing that you think when anyone mentions fashion is trends. Like everyone, you’re probably tired of the incessant trends on social media recently that cycle in and out, barely able to shop the trend before it disappears and it’s onto the next. With the rise of social media, the age-old trend cycle that we know and love was accelerated and led to the growing impatience and fatigue that we now feel with trends that can often last as short as one week before being gone. So let’s dive into how exactly trends form, reach their maturity, and fade into obscurity, as well as how this process has changed over time.
Fashion trends have been a staple in society longer than you’d ever think. While clothing trends have been there since the dawn of human civilization (the cavemen were rocking those loincloths!), the trend cycle that we are familiar with today largely started in the 19th century. The 19th century brought with it the rise of fashion houses within Paris and fashion starting to be considered an artform rather than being used simply for survival. Industrialization essentially jumpstarted fashion in the way that we are familiar with it today. The invention of the sewing machine allowed a much faster turnaround in the way of making clothes for the general public because clothes didn’t have to be painstakingly made by hand anymore.
In the 19th century, Charles Frederick Worth started a fashion house in the heart of Paris, the House of Worth, not knowing that he would eventually come to be known as the “father of haute couture.” Worth’s influence can be felt today with the established structure that we are familiar with in haute couture today with the framework of seasons that designers work around and the nature of fashion shows. His ingenuity and uniqueness within the fashion world at the time attracted high class customers and royalty who desired to own the latest styles; one of his most high profile clients being Empress Eugénie, one of Napoleon Bonaparte’s wives who functioned as head of the state of France at the time until Bonaparte was overthrown in 1870.
Worth was special in that he offered something that others did not at the time: designs that allowed his clients to envision themselves wearing it, altering the clothing to be perfectly tailored for each customer. Charles Frederick Worth introduced the concept of the fashion show and held the first one ever in the mid-19th century, displaying his designs on live models to show the styles in motion, as they would be on the customer, inviting his clients to insert themselves into the place of these models. His influence reached far beyond Paris and the House of Worth, establishing the standard for fashion trends as it would stand for upwards of 200 years until today.
Since the inception of the fashion trend cycle in the 1800s, style has continued to evolve, being shaped and molded by its environment; the most prevalent factors in affecting trends are the economy, technology, what consumers are buying, and the current cultural identity in a specific area. The most talked about eras in fashion are the most famous for a reason: the style reflects the sentiments of the time period and the problems of the time can be seen in the trends that arise.
In the 1920s, the rise of the flapper style came into view, with boxy, boyish silhouettes, due to the rising independence of women and the rejection of more conservative Victorian ideals. As suffragettes fought for women’s right to vote, women’s fashion reflected this, with changing cultural values seeping into everyday style choices. Dressing less modestly asserted women as self-sufficient and in control of their own bodies and decisions.
Later in the 70s, political strife was also a major motivator in the change that took place within the fashion world. The sexual revolution that took place at this time led to fashion that aimed to break down gender norms and the conservatism that was most prevalent in the 50s and 60s. This showed most in women embracing more sensuous fashion that showed more skin and, on the other side of the coin, more androgynous, functional clothing that, like the fashion trends in the 20s, showed women as autonomous individuals who could make their own decisions.
In the current day, due to how individualized style has become and the rise of social media segmenting the market, there are less trends that define an era or generation of people. However, there are still trends that we absolutely love right now, so we’d love to share some of those with you!
A recent fashion trend that Amanda loves is lace. This trend reflects 90s fashion, which she absolutely loves, particularly the medieval revival which featured lots of lace.
A trend that Rodie loves is styling midi skirts and boots together. This fashion trend creates a cohesive outfit that elongates the figure, as well as being absolutely perfect for fall!
Ballet flats are a current favorite for Fatima. This trend makes an outfit look refined and sleek, while still adding an element of playfulness.
Caitlin’s favorite trend right now is funky patterned tights. This look is perfectly catered to fall and adds a level of whimsy to any outfit, as well as being able to be personalized to anyone’s interests.
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