There are countless fashion trends throughout history. But some fashion trend revolutions have changed the course of history. From the protests surrounding miniskirts, which are still popular today, to the iconic flapper dresses of the 1920s, these fashion trends created revolutions that will forever be remembered.
5. Grunge
Many of us might still love the grunge style that was so popular during the 1990s. The style is all about comfort, individuality, and showcases raw emotions for many. It was also one of the fashion trend revolutions that you probably didn’t know about. Grunge was created as a way to push back against the excess and consumerism in the 1980s. It represented rebellion against the polished and glamoured fashion trends of the time, embracing a more authentic version of fashion. It wasn’t really about the look, but about expressing themselves against traditional fashion rules.
4. Sans-Culottes
During the French Revolution, sans-culottes referred to the clothing of the lower class, or the common people, in 18th-century France. Many of them became radical and militant partisans of the French Revolution in response to their poor quality of life. The term is thought to have been used for the first time in 1791 by Jean-Bernard Gauthier de Murnan in a derogatory sense, speaking about a “sans-culottes army”. The word came into fashion during the demonstration of June 20, 1792.
3. Miniskirts
The miniskirts, still popular today, were huge in the ‘60s and ’70s, and are one of the biggest fashion trend revolutions. Not only are they iconic during the miniskirt protest in the 60s, but they were part of the Counterculture Movement during that time that promoted individuality and nonconformity. For the Feminist Movement, designers like Yves Saint Laurent, André Courrèges, and Mary Quant began to shorten the hemlines of their skirts, which started the “swinging sixties” featuring go-go boots, mini skirts, and more. This was the start of society questioning tradition and pushing back.
2. Mass Production of Clothes
In the industrial age of the late 19th century, mass production of clothing changed the game for the fashion industry. Making clothes was more affordable and accessible, which brought the love for hand-made work again. Thus beginning the era of courture. Charles Frederick Worth created the concept of presenting his unpublished creations to clients, and is known as the “Father of Haute Couture“. Along with that, he created seasonal launch drops, encouraging higher fashion and greater fashion consumption. Fashion became less affordable for many, but with a new side of competitiveness that was never seen before.
1. Flapper Dress
One of the most iconic times was in the jazz era during the 1920s, which had one of the biggest and iconic fashion trend revolutions in history. It was a time of profound transformations, with young women forgoing their long hair and opting for bobbed cuts, bold make-up, and knee-length skirts to dance to the energetic beats. Known as flappers, these women represented a cultural revolution, symbolizing independence as they challenged society’s norms.