Fashion history and trends: constantly evolving styles

Pre-war fashion

The way we define fashion is said to have originated in the 1920s, the roaring twenties when the end of the First World War marked a turning point in women's lives. Shirt dresses, cloche hats on short hair, short skirts, etc. were all signs that women were asserting themselves and becoming emancipated in feminine outfits that showed them off to their best advantage.

The sartorial revolution of the 1930s

The stock market crash of 1929 led women to adopt a stricter dress code. Family values once again took precedence over the need to go out. Strict dresses, classic blouses, etc.: women missed frivolity.

At the same time, the first fashion magazines appeared, featuring models who were often young and very slim-waisted. Towards the end of the decade, however, more casual clothing made a comeback.

Haute couture closed its doors in the 1940s

The restrictions imposed by the war on men and women in France led the major haute couture houses to close their doors. Paris nevertheless remained the capital of fashion. Women wore shorter, slim-fitting dresses with puffed sleeves.

By the end of the war, women were in search of femininity and welcomed the return of a style of dress that emphasised the body's shape.

The evolution of fashion in the 70s

Peep-toe trousers, coloured glasses, short denim skirts, long flowing dresses, etc. 70s fashion was resolutely cool.

For a long time, it was one of the most popular trends, reminiscent of the bohemian, free-spirited era of the 1920s!

The fashion style of the 80s

Fashion in the 80s was anything but discreet, and would go down as the most influential of the century. The aim was to make a splash with bright colours, surprising textures and sometimes improbable cuts of clothing.

Accessories were used in profusion to complement these garish outfits. Women adopted a resolutely emancipated style.

The 90s for a wiser look

Do you remember the arrival of jeans and bombers in clothing shops? In the 90s, they were everywhere, accompanied by sweatshirts and T-shirts featuring original, colourful prints.

Fashion wanted to get a message across, and sometimes an anti-fashion message, with jeans that were quickly torn or old trainers that became very trendy.

From the 2000s to the present day

The 2000s marked the change of millennium with lots of sequins, rhinestones and studded clothes, whether for a dress, skirt or trousers.

Fashion wanted to mix materials and cuts. Under a T-shirt or skirt that's a little too tight, larger shirts or waistcoats can be layered, sometimes even with a dress.

Asymmetrical tops were making an appearance, and women were feeling free and comfortable in their own skin. Fashion also allowed them to wear suits to demonstrate their equality with the opposite sex.

The history of fashion shows us that men were subject to few of these variations. Suits have stood the test of time without a single wrinkle!

Elora will help you discover the evolution of fashion and the accessories that are essential to your beauty.