Swinging Sixties
Throughout history, fashion has provided an avenue for highlighting inequality, injustice, and oppression. Designers around the world have worked to create meticulous designs that reflect all different kinds of defiance, from social awareness to political protest. Even after being legally granted equal rights with the 14th and 19th amendments- equal protections and suffrage- women continue to be seen as inferior as a result of their sex. This phenomenon is described by a group of Finnish intellectuals as a power and legitimacy struggle between the sexes wherein men’s rights dominate society, thus overlooking those of women and characterizing them as the less power-hungry and vocal gender (Nousiainen, et al). The fashion industry observed the
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The controversial and rebellious nature of the 1960s demonstrated the widespread desire for social change, specifically for equality and female empowerment. Women sought more autonomy both in the home and in public, beginning by claiming control of their bodies. The movement was dominated by younger generations who embraced growing rates of college attendance and used their educational foundation to promote female empowerment. Appropriately labeled the “Youthquake,” the movement incited an insurgence of female advocacy in the fashion industry. After Mary Quant experimented with a miniskirt design, hemlines lifted, necklines plunged, and independence resonated throughout the world as designers answered the call of the free spirited youth. The movement eventually expanded from clothing to accessories. Plastic knee high boots and colored tights were paired with miniskirts, accentuating the body and promoting self expression (Coen). The material even changed. Sheer and loosely crocheted fabrics added subtle sensuality to an outfit. As exhibited below by Twiggy, an iconic model during this time period, the mini skirt shows more skin that individuals from previous decades would associate with the word flapper. The trends and models who advocated for the designs not only endorsed a company or collection, but also created an atmosphere of social acceptance that encouraged women to follow
The controversial and rebellious nature of the 1960s demonstrated the widespread desire for social change, specifically for equality and female empowerment. Women sought more autonomy both in the home and in public, beginning by claiming control of their bodies. The movement was dominated by younger generations who embraced growing rates of college attendance and used their educational foundation to promote female empowerment. Appropriately labeled the “Youthquake,” the movement incited an insurgence of female advocacy in the fashion industry. After Mary Quant experimented with a miniskirt design, hemlines lifted, necklines plunged, and independence resonated throughout the world as designers answered the call of the free spirited youth. The movement eventually expanded from clothing to accessories. Plastic knee high boots and colored tights were paired with miniskirts, accentuating the body and promoting self expression (Coen). The material even changed. Sheer and loosely crocheted fabrics added subtle sensuality to an outfit. As exhibited below by Twiggy, an iconic model during this time period, the mini skirt shows more skin that individuals from previous decades would associate with the word flapper. The trends and models who advocated for the designs not only endorsed a company or collection, but also created an atmosphere of social acceptance that encouraged women to follow