1960s fashion broke the social traditions of the previous decade, allowing more freedom for peoples attire.There was either 'formal' or 'casual' wear and distinct separations as to what was for women and what was for men. The 60s brought us unisex clothing, like denim jeans.
Modern Fashion
Modern Fashion, sometimes shortened to mod refers to the lifestyle of young people that started in London but quickly spread to Europe, America and Australia. Based on the successful pop music, art and fashion scene this new mod lifestyles goal was to be innovative and different. The mod fashion designs were slim fitting, with bold featured shapes in bright and wild tones. Contrasting the browns, greys and pastel colours of the 50s. Unlike the past fashions were being mass-produced and were affordable.
Mini skirts and hemlines
One fashion item that appeared in the sixties was the mini-skirt. In the past all skirts and dresses were at least knee length, so the new short hemlines were quite the scandal, for exposing more skin than ever publicly seen.
At the 1965 Melbourne Cup, an English model by the name of Jean Shrimpton wore a very controversial outfit. She wore a short synthetic white shift dress, with no gloves, stockings or hat. Although at that time mini skirts were frowned upon by the end of the 60s they had become part of the usual attire.
The mini skirts were more than just a major change in fashion, they reflected the social changes and rebellions of young people and women that were happening in the decade. It was also used to help enforce the rights of women, they could now show as much of their body as they pleased.
At the 1965 Melbourne Cup, an English model by the name of Jean Shrimpton wore a very controversial outfit. She wore a short synthetic white shift dress, with no gloves, stockings or hat. Although at that time mini skirts were frowned upon by the end of the 60s they had become part of the usual attire.
The mini skirts were more than just a major change in fashion, they reflected the social changes and rebellions of young people and women that were happening in the decade. It was also used to help enforce the rights of women, they could now show as much of their body as they pleased.
Icons
Throughout the 60s many celebrities had their own preferred style of fashion, styles that were copied all around the world. Even though fashion was largely influenced by young people, the icons still also influenced the fashions of the older women.
Leslie Hornby, a British teenage supermodel, was one of the fashion icons of the decade and an idol to young girls. Often known as Twiggy because of her thin figure, she was on the front page of every important fashion magazine, with her boyish haircut and willowy frame.
Audrey Hepburn was also a fashion icon of the decade, her style of flat shoes, three quarter length pants, plain black shift dresses, and beehive hairdos were copied by women all over the world.
Another influence on fashion was Jacqueline Kennedy, J.F Kennedy's wife. She was known for her beauty and grace, as well as the elegant style of dress. Such as pearl necklaces, pillbox hats and simple, big buttoned suits.
Leslie Hornby, a British teenage supermodel, was one of the fashion icons of the decade and an idol to young girls. Often known as Twiggy because of her thin figure, she was on the front page of every important fashion magazine, with her boyish haircut and willowy frame.
Audrey Hepburn was also a fashion icon of the decade, her style of flat shoes, three quarter length pants, plain black shift dresses, and beehive hairdos were copied by women all over the world.
Another influence on fashion was Jacqueline Kennedy, J.F Kennedy's wife. She was known for her beauty and grace, as well as the elegant style of dress. Such as pearl necklaces, pillbox hats and simple, big buttoned suits.
Hippies
Hippies had their own style to match their perspectives about life, like their view against the social system, Australia's involvement in the Vietnam War and their new found passion for the values of peace, love and freedom. Along with their experimentation with drugs and interest in Eastern religions, they also obtained a rebellious fashion style.
Styles and fabrics were not inspired by Western countries, instead they were inspired by countries like India and Africa. They liked antiral fabrics, tie-dyed and paisley prints, handmade clothes and accessories, beads, fringes, bare feet or leather sandals, flowers and peace signs (to represent their views). Women and men often let the hair grow long and the men didn't shave.
The Hippie style also influenced mainstream style. Denim jeans were inspired by the hippies and were a popular item for all throughout the decade. Bell-bottomed, tie-dyed, marbled and painted jeans were all styles that emerged because of this.
Styles and fabrics were not inspired by Western countries, instead they were inspired by countries like India and Africa. They liked antiral fabrics, tie-dyed and paisley prints, handmade clothes and accessories, beads, fringes, bare feet or leather sandals, flowers and peace signs (to represent their views). Women and men often let the hair grow long and the men didn't shave.
The Hippie style also influenced mainstream style. Denim jeans were inspired by the hippies and were a popular item for all throughout the decade. Bell-bottomed, tie-dyed, marbled and painted jeans were all styles that emerged because of this.
Fabric
New inventive ideas for fabrics emerged during the era. Materials such as polyester, plastic, PVC and vinyl were popular, inspired by the idea of exploring space and landing on the moon. Man-made fibres along with natural ones, like cotton and wool, were combined to create new fabrics, and fake fur and leather was created, driven by the animal rights movement.
Technology also improved which meant that clothing items were cheaper and easier to make and buy, which meant clothes were being tossed away more quickly.
Technology also improved which meant that clothing items were cheaper and easier to make and buy, which meant clothes were being tossed away more quickly.
http://www.arts-stew.com/classic-stars/actors-entertainers/retro-1960s-audrey-hepburn-1961/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twiggy
http://www.ragandmagpie.co.uk/blog/2011/04/jackie-kennedy-vintage-fashion-icon/
http://www.glogster.com/lana562/fashion-in-the-1960s/g-6jvr1gd2ulr8lqcvqdr73dt
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Twiggy
http://www.ragandmagpie.co.uk/blog/2011/04/jackie-kennedy-vintage-fashion-icon/
http://www.glogster.com/lana562/fashion-in-the-1960s/g-6jvr1gd2ulr8lqcvqdr73dt