50s Fashion Comeback; Glamour or Rebellious Youth?
Sometimes it seems like every possible decade influences fashion trends, at times we may wonder when a trend comes back in, when did it leave in the first place, or did it just merge with another trend to create a new silhouette and style? 50s fashion influences are back on the scene, so how do they fit into the current trends – the 90s look, the grunge rock look and the clean functional sports trends, which are predominant on the streets and catwalks right now – this time around?
Contrary to these more masculine and androgynous looks there is a rebellious notion and a need for a more feminine and glamorous come back, after all, the 50s was a time when the female form was emphasized and complimented with the cuts and silhouettes of that time. The hour glass silhouette introduced by Dior, known as the New Look, was a reaction to the years of hardship and suffering following the two world wars where clothing was functional and basic. Women were ushered back to the kitchen and family life, and their clothing was to represent femininity and the perfect family home.
Around this era, although it originated from the late 1940s, there was the rebellious youth culture which was emerging from the conformist Britain and America. Rock and Roll music gained popularity as did the youth films of this time and Teddy Boys, Rockers and the Beat generation were born.
Interestingly now, you see the influences of both of these contrasting looks emerging into the trends; retro styling, print mixes such as animal print, polka dots and gingham checks, fitted and flared silhouettes and college style baseball jackets and biker jackets are all 50s inspired trends worn either in a glamorous feminine way or with an edgy and youthful twist.
Perhaps it’s a notion which reflects our fears and aspirations of present times due to the economic struggle and worries of tough times ahead; we look towards a time when a new prosperity was dawning, hoping that this may represent our own hopes and dreams for the future.
