Spirit of the tTimes - Assignment Example

Spirit of The Times Introduction Fashion is one of the primary aspects that characterize the popular culture. Over theyears, fashion has changed due to social, political, and economic influences. Different generations have been marked by different fashions and modes of dressing. This paper attempts to construct the multiple generations of personalities over the years as is characterized by different women fashions from 1900 to the present. The generation of the early 1900s (1900 to 1914), also referred to as Belle Epoch, was characterized by a decline in restriction of women fashion.

Women of the time were striving to fight for independence, which was reflected in their fashion that was of the free form, feminine and practical (Rinald 12). The world was at peace and, therefore, creativity in fashion and designs flourished. The Belle Epoch fashion is as shown in Figure 1:Figure 1: Belle Epoch Fashion (1900-1914) Between 1914 and 1939, the generation was influenced by the World Wars that also impacted on women fashion. During WWI, many women worked in field hospitals, factories and drove ambulances.

This forced them to rearrange their wardrobes to suit a new generation with more demanding tasks and activities. Their skirts became shorter, their hair was either cropped or tied up, and many fashion designers were outpaced by the time. Suits were tailored with gentle waists to allow easy movements. The fashion that was popular with the women generation of the time is as shown in Figure 2:Figure 2: Women fashion between 1914 and 1939. During and immediately after WWII, there was a period of fashion rationing.

This led to the development of the utility dress after the initiation of the utility scheme in late 1939 with harsh restrictions on the use of fabric. The generation was also characterized by the “Make do and Mend,” a government campaign that encouraged recycling of clothes. The utility dress is shown in Figure 3:Figure 3: The Utility dress After the end of the World Wars, women revived their feminine dresses. The period was marked by civil rights activities that united women to fight for their rights (Giacosa 4).

The generation was characterized by full skirts and dresses, prominent busts, and cosseted waists. The fashion of the generation is as shown in Figure 4:Figure 4: Women fashion after the end of World Wars. The generation of the 1960s was characterized by the pop culture. This led to the introduction of short skirts and dresses. Women started exposing their upper thighs, especially in nightclubs and events. The period was also characterized by different types and modes of dressing depending on individual choice.

The fashion of the 1960s is as shown in Figure 5:Figure 5: Women fashion of the 1960s generation.From the 1960s onwards, women fashion has mainly involved short skirts and dresses and fitting trousers (Kim, Ann, & Hyejeong 22). The change has been enhanced by continuous development in fashion and design based on technological advancements.ConclusionFashion characterizes the popular culture and has changed over the years. From the early 1900s to the present, women fashion has been influenced by different political, social and economic factors.

These factors also characterized other features of the generations under consideration. Works CitedGiacosa, Elisa. Innovation in Luxury Fashion Family Business: Processes and Products Innovation As a Means of Growth. , 2014. Print.Kim, Eundeok, Ann M. Fiore, and Hyejeong Kim. Fashion Trends: Analysis and Forecasting. Oxford: Berg, 2011. Print.Rinaldi, Francesca R. The Responsible Fashion Company: Integrating Ethics and Aesthetics in the Value Chain. Sheffield: Greenleaf Publishing, 2014. Print.