History of Fashion: 1960s

INTRODUCTION

The 1960s was one of the most influential eras in fashion, from the influence of

vibrant prints to A- line dresses to the explored

use of synthetic textiles like PVC, chainmail and pre-dyed fabrics.

The fashion era was a game changer for many designers to break free from traditional design.

Read more about the most notable fashion trends from the 1960s below:

SWINGING SIXTIES

Fashion in the 1960s revolutionized the way that women dressed by wearing

mini skirts and short dresses.

With the invention of tights, women were able to wear much shorter hemlines.

The basic A-line shape was versatile for many body shapes and could be dressed up or down.

During that time, trendsetters experimented with

bold fabrics such as PVC plastic and shiny rayon.

JACKIE KENNEDEY, THE STYLE ICON

Jacqueline Kennedy formally known as the stylish wife of John F Kennedy had a significant

influence on fashion in the 1960s.

She was a fashion role model for many women with her

sophisticated aesthetic and  monochromatic matching

hats, shoes and coats. Her most notable look was her straight coat

with stand up collars, large fabric covered buttons, and bracelet length sleeves

styled with matching gloves.

THE NEW DANDIES

After World War II, double breasted, three piece suits were all the rave in Men’s fashion of the 1960s. With the influence of tailor house Beau Brumell, suits were made with heavy wool fabric and loose fit, and neutral colors such as navy, brown and grey.

Men’s fashion was also exploring the use of bright colors, velvet suits, flared pants and velvet textiles as influenced by the pop icons of that era such as the Beatles.  

SPACE AGE FASHION

Fashion followed the theme for the decade of space exploration in the 1960s.

Designers like Pierre Cardin, Paco Rabanne and Andre Courreges fueled

the inspiration for futuristic themed clothing which popularized the used of clear and

colored plastic as well as chain mail.

Elements of shiny metallic or clear plastic was incorporated with the

new theme of space age fashion.

Pierre Cardin incorporated geometrical design

to develop new styles of everyday clothing.

EVOLUTION OF MODERN FASHION

In contrast to the 1950s evening fashion, formal attire in the

1960s offered more options for going out.

From long ball gowns, to short leather dresses and jumpsuits:

many designers Such as Pucci, Valentino, Givenchy and

Yves Saint Laurent explored the ideas against the traditional black tie attire.

Pucci set the trend for printed tights,

flowy kaftans and jumpsuits that

could be worn as evening attire. 

Yves Saint Laurent changed the game in

fashion in the 1960s

for his unique designs and reimagined

vision of modern fashion.

After designing for Dior,

he presented one of his early

collections with dresses inspired by the

artist, Pierre Mondrian.

The dresses were made with pre-dyed

fabrics where each color in the

design was an individual fabric.

As we get to know our history, we see that fashion will come back in full circle with what

influences the public, how we change our style and learn to break free from tradition.

Stay tuned for next week’s Blog Post for the 1970s.

Named as a top tailor in New York City by the Hollywood Reporter, Luxtailor is located on the Upper East Side, in the center of the shopping district of New York City (68th & Madison Avenue). 

We have the pleasure of working with a variety of designers brands, showrooms, luxury boutiques, stylists & private clientele. We work with both Men and Women for any custom tailoring, alterations or seamstress services needed.

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