History of clothing (part 4)

The story of clothing continues into the 21st century

Fast and eventful, current fashions partially retain the influences of the 20th century. Yesterday, they moved into this new era but for all that they perpetuate the game of renewing the trends that they have inherited. Tirelessly, because that’s how fashion goes.

The 2000s :

At the beginning, it was inspired by the 90’s and their colors. Then women layer skirts or dresses over jeans or capris.

After the eccentric schoolgirl style of Britney Spire, Paris Hilton, on the other hand, particularly likes sequins predominantly in bright pink, while singer Christina Aguilera opts for legendary deep necklines. Sarah Jessica Parker adds her touch in the cult American series “Sex and the City”.

Few subcultures, apart from Hip-Hop. We experience the alliance of sober lines and the profusion of accessories drawn from the past. A sweet mix and match.

The most striking phenomenon, however, remains the omnipresence of sports brands, with the resounding success of multinationals Nike, Adidas, Puma, Rossignol, The North Face, Lacoste... Daily life in the sports movement is tinged with turquoise. Stars often wear short-sleeve, slim-fit, tone-on-tone jogging sets in velvet.

The skater style is becoming very popular. Low-waisted pants, cargo pants and baggy jeans are worn so low on the hips that, for both women and men, the underwear can be seen above. Narrow and short cut t-shirts reveal a little bit of stomach or hips. Glory to “tube” tank tops, without sleeves or shoulders.

Note the camouflage tornado. Tie and dye prints with cool baba accents, as well as tribal allusions and Chinese calligraphy letters, are on the rise, carrying subversive and protest messages.

The results of this very first decade of the 3rd millennium confirm the consecration of free, casual style and cool sportswear; raising awareness of ethical and recycled materials and clothing.

In 2010

We largely renounce the garish patterns and extravagant cuts, the shapes have more restraint. We favor durable individual pieces that can be combined in many ways. Casually rolled-up blazer sleeves, trouser bottoms tucked into shoes, or a deep V-neckline for men are some of the must-haves.

Boy-friend look, unisex style: the disappearance of clear barriers between the sexes, which began in the seventies, continues. Thus, cosmetics, fitted cuts, voluminous scarves and soft colors are no longer reserved only for women, while wide pants and large size coats are no longer intended only for men. Hipsters embrace influences and details from previous decades that correspond to today's art of living.

The younger generations are above all replaying the triangle of the 80s, 90s and 2000s: cigarette pants, large size blazer, low-cut sequined dress, bling-bling accessories without the slightest complexion.

Since 2020

Comeback of leggings, yes, but pAmong the best clothes of 2020, backless dresses are very present and illustrate a relaxed and sexy elegance. The lace dresses, never gone, remind us that nostalgia is no longer what it used to be.

Jogging Juicy Couture to the shoes Louboutin via the it-bags of Celine or Balenciaga The beginnings of the 21st century place fashion under the sign of best-sellers and must-haves.

Hardly a decade goes by without creators shaping the appearance of society. Small summary between 2000 and 2020:

The resurrection of old fashion houses like Balenciaga, Lanvin, Balmain, Givenchy…

Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Sonia Rykiel, Jimmy Choo… have abolished the boundaries between luxury and low cost.

The undeniable impact of notable stylists like Alber Elbaz, Hedi Slimane, Raf Simons, Alexander McQueen, Martin Margiela…

If fashion reflects the mood and the social atmosphere, for more than 30 years now those who do not follow it or only rarely, but who dress (necessarily) approach it differently, to “consume” it more healthily.

Responsible and/or ethical brands and fairer trade are emerging. It should be noted that certain groups choose organic raw materials, ecological alternatives, French or European manufacturing.

Won’t we always have to wear clothes?

The real question: how?