PLATFORM SHOES!!!

The most awesome contribution from the 1970’s to the world of fashion would have to be the platform shoe! I love the platform shoes worn in the 70’s there were so many different shapes and heights.  Women and men alike wore some variation of a platform shoe.  They were so versatile and went with pants or dresses.  There were styles for sandals or boots or shoes and they went with everything. 

 

Today our platform shoe is also super cute and very versatile. From a pump, to a boot or sandal, platforms are a staple in our fashion world, rather it be for a casual or dressy shoes.  Though guys don’t wear them much anymore, I still think they are most cool and popular contribution from the 70’s!

One thing I have noticed about platform shoes of this age is that the platform is mostly on the front of the shoe to give height to the shoe.  For example all of the platform shoes I own are 5 ½ inches high the heel itself is so high but I am able to walk in them because of the 2 inch platform! What a great invention that is sexy and stylish!!

1960's Streetstyle VS YSLYeah!

Trends of the 60's were so cool, some chic some more rugged, all have been influential in the fashion world but I feel street trends have definantly been more influential.  I choose street trends because more people can relate to the everyday options they possess. My favorite street style from the 60’s is the hippie style. Hippie clothing has been so influential in what we wore in the 90’s especially and are making a huge comeback today. Long flowing ethnic print skirts, dresses and skirts are still a major part of a women’s casual wardrobe.

The flare leg and bell bottom jean are timeless looks that will never go out of style. The carefree dresses and patterns are also very popular and have changed and gained in popularity. We still see colorful fabric and beautiful embellishments in our clothing today.

There is even a “haute hippie” movement that brings more modern coolness to the hippie aesthetic.

Yves Saint Laurent’s style was very unique and had amazing style. He created masterpieces from fabric, his pop art and Van Gogh designs were like nothing anyone had ever seen. Le Smoking was the most awesome take on an androgynous suit. Simply fantastic.

His collections were misunderstood at times with tradionalists not understanding the collections and younger people thinking he was ripping off kid’s street gear, they also complained about how expensive his clothing was. I really think when it comes to influential style, street style is an obtainable part of fashion everyone can relate to in their own way.

The POWER SUIT!!

  Initially women began wearing suits to show independance and to show individual style. Over time the power suit has meant different things to different women, in the 80's however the suit itself began to make a strong statement of empowerment and confidence for women in the workforce.  "The power suit is akin to armor, outfitting a woman to do battle in a predominantly male world."  Women still like sharp shoulders and a body fitting silhouette.  Not TOO Racy and tight fitting, but just enough to show the form of the figure. 1940 -  National Coat and Suit Industry

 

1950 - Christian Dior

 

1960 - Victoria and Albert Museum (No Designer Listed)

 

1970 - Yves Saint Laurent

 

1980 - Anne Klein

I can truly say I love the idea of a skirt suit, it makes a women feel feminine yet pwerful.  The powersuit is a staple of the business women's wardrobe.  It has changed some, however it is still has the same respect commanding affect.

Military, LockStep!

Military styling has had a home in fashion for many many years.  There is just something so powerful and chic about a strong line or crisp cuff.  Military fashion has taken an advance step in recent years with "interpretive" military looks.  Many still concentrate on buttons and cuffs but many are moving to a new military aesthetic.  The Alexander NcQueen 2011 Fall/Winter Ready to Wear Collection is such a beautiful take on the military style.  The designs look like regal medieval warrior women.  The beautiful golds and reds, neutrals and muted tones create a military look that steps aside form the traditional crisp clean styling  There is so much power in the garments, ther is a fierce look in these looks, the models look like they are ready for any battle.  The hairstyling also brings forth that warrior look, this is a fantastic collection.

   Now believe me when I say I cannot get enough of the traditional military look.  Balmain's Christopher Decarnin used my boo Michael Jackson for inspiration for garments in past collections.  MJ who for as long as he could grow a mustache has mastered the military style perfectly, he always looked like he was headed to a war of musical fury and he always won.  King of Pop and Military Style!

Pencil Skirt for Life!!

What is the single most influential item of the 1950's fashasion?  The pencil skirt baby!  This is the most simple, sexy, figure flattering item of clothing in a women's wardrobe.  The essence of a women is her confidence and ability to get the attention of a room, well the pencil skirt does this for any women and size does not matter!  High waisted or low, with a ruffle or a long zipper, there is not a women I know young or mature that does not know the importance of having this garment on deck at all times.  I have so many in different fabrics and colors and yes I pull one out when I need that extra oompf in my step for the day.  Simply fantastic!

I see you Paul Smith!!

Another item I consider important is the two piece bikini! Though our version shows SO much more skin and every women is not able to pull it off, this is a radical and amazing garment.  As women we love to flaunt our sexuality some more than others and the bikini gives us the option of showing a lot with french cut types or a little less with high waisted or boyshort verisons.  The bikini is a very important, women's lib!

Halle Berry as a Bond Girl, need I post more? Work Ms. Berry!

JEANS!!!

The most popular (and my favorite) fit and color of jean is the bootcut darkwash denim.  Baby. the simplicity of this jean is so perfect.  These jeans look fabulous on any body type.  Though I love the skinny jean, they aren't always flattering on everyone.  The bootcut jean comes in a low or high-rise which is ideal for every woman.  This look has not changed much which is what I love about this style.  Stretch has been added and even a "skinny version" and different washes are tried but the darkwash denim is ideal.

To Live for, SUPER CUTE!

Denim is so versitile, I think future jeans are going to continue to progress in the skinny jean fad, you know adding more embelshments and dimensions, on back to an ultra baggy for men and women, I mean we have to breathe again at some point!  There is nothing new under the sun, I mean of course there are those weird fad pieces that are going to pop up for the outlandish consumer, however for the masses we are on this ferris wheel of fashion just adding concepts to an old idea.

Historical Draping and Tailoring

Beautiful flowing chiffon draped dress in blush pink with empire waist detail. Very elegant and feminine.

 Rennaisance Era lavendar draped dress made of beautiful silk taffeta with delicate purple detailing.

Draped Indian Sari, a traditional garment worn by women of India in different times in their life. Marriage, everyday or ceremonial.

. 1950's tailored women's suit with crisp lines and emaculate detailing. 

Tailored blue suit by John Galliano 2008, very vintage with modern lines and styling.

 1911 Tailored women'ssuit.  The buttons on the cuffs is such a great tailored detail.