Category: History

Community · History

Top 8 Scandals in Fashion History

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Fashion has always been a glamorous and highly competitive industry, but it has not been immune to scandals. From sexual harassment allegations to cultural appropriation controversies, the world of fashion has seen its fair share of controversies over the years. In this blog post, we will look at some of the biggest scandals in fashion history.

  1. John Galliano’s Anti-Semitic Rant

In 2011, John Galliano, the then creative director of Christian Dior, was caught on camera making anti-Semitic remarks in a Paris café. The video went viral, and Galliano was subsequently fired from Dior. He was also stripped of his own eponymous label, and his reputation was irreparably damaged. Galliano later apologized for his remarks and sought treatment for alcohol addiction.

  1. Kate Moss’s Cocaine Scandal

In 2005, Kate Moss, one of the world’s most famous models, was caught on camera snorting cocaine. The pictures were published in a British newspaper, and Moss lost many of her lucrative modeling contracts as a result. However, she managed to make a comeback after entering rehab and has since become a fashion icon.

  1. Victoria’s Secret’s Lack of Diversity

Victoria’s Secret, the world’s most famous lingerie brand, has long been criticized for its lack of diversity. The brand’s annual fashion show was canceled in 2019 after years of controversy surrounding the lack of inclusivity on the runway. The company has also been accused of promoting an unrealistic and unhealthy beauty ideal, leading to criticism of the brand’s marketing practices.

  1. The Rana Plaza Factory Collapse

In 2013, the Rana Plaza factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing over 1,100 people and injuring thousands more. The factory produced clothing for many well-known brands, including Primark and Mango. The tragedy brought attention to the issue of workers’ rights and safety in the fashion industry and led to calls for better regulation and oversight of the industry.

  1. Burberry’s Burned Stock Scandal

In 2018, Burberry, the British luxury fashion brand, came under fire when it was revealed that the company had burned over £28 million worth of unsold stock. The company claimed that the stock had been destroyed to prevent it from being sold on the black market, but the move was widely criticized as wasteful and environmentally damaging.

  1. Dolce & Gabbana’s Racism Scandal

In 2018, Dolce & Gabbana, the Italian fashion brand, faced backlash over a controversial advertising campaign. The campaign featured a Chinese model struggling to eat Italian food with chopsticks, and the brand’s co-founder, Stefano Gabbana, was accused of making racist remarks on social media. The incident led to the cancellation of a major fashion show in China and a significant drop in sales for the brand.

  1. H&M’s “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle” Ad

In 2018, H&M, the Swedish fast-fashion giant, faced criticism over an ad featuring a black child wearing a hoodie with the slogan “Coolest Monkey in the Jungle.” The ad was widely seen as racist and insensitive, and the company was accused of perpetuating negative stereotypes. The incident led to protests and calls for boycotts of the brand.

  1. Calvin Klein’s Underage Models

In 1995, Calvin Klein faced criticism over an advertising campaign featuring young models in provocative poses. Some of the models were under the age of 18, leading to accusations of sexual exploitation. The controversy led to a wider debate about the sexualization of young girls in the fashion industry and prompted calls for better protection for underage models.

The fashion industry has been riddled with sketchy behavior and scandals. I can honestly say that these examples are only the tip of the iceberg. Stay tuned for more as we dive deeper and deeper into history ❤

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Community · History · Thrifting

Fashion Trends and Influence: 1990s

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The 1990s was a decade marked by fashion trends that were inspired by a wide range of cultural and societal factors. From the emergence of grunge music and alternative culture to the growth of hip-hop and streetwear, the 90s were a time of experimentation and self-expression in fashion. In this blog post, we will explore some of the key fashion trends of the 90s and the influences that shaped them.

Grunge

One of the most iconic fashion trends of the 90s was grunge, a subculture that emerged from the music scene in Seattle in the late 80s and early 90s. Grunge was characterized by a laid-back, rebellious aesthetic that included oversized flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and combat boots. The look was inspired by the DIY ethos of the punk movement and reflected the anti-establishment attitudes of the time.

The grunge look was also influenced by the music that gave it its name. Bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, and Soundgarden all had a distinct sound and style that was heavily associated with the grunge movement. Their music was raw and unpolished, with lyrics that often expressed feelings of disillusionment and dissatisfaction with the world.

Hip-Hop and Streetwear

Another major influence on 90s fashion was hip-hop culture, which had been growing in popularity since the late 70s. Hip-hop fashion was characterized by baggy clothing, athletic wear, and sneakers, as well as bold colors and graphic prints. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Fila became synonymous with the hip-hop look, and their products were often worn with oversized t-shirts and tracksuits.

Streetwear also emerged as a distinct fashion trend in the 90s, with brands like Stussy and Supreme leading the way. Streetwear was characterized by a mix of athletic wear, skate culture, and hip-hop style, and was often associated with urban youth culture. The look was heavily influenced by graffiti and street art, and included bold graphics and bright colors.

Minimalism

While grunge and hip-hop fashion were both characterized by an eclectic, bold aesthetic, the 90s also saw the emergence of minimalism as a fashion trend. Minimalism was a reaction to the excess and flamboyance of the 80s, and was characterized by clean lines, neutral colors, and simple silhouettes.

Designers like Calvin Klein, Jil Sander, and Helmut Lang all embraced minimalism in their collections, creating clothing that was elegant and understated. The minimalist trend also extended to accessories, with simple, geometric jewelry and small handbags becoming popular among fashion-forward women.

Globalization

One of the less-discussed influences on 90s fashion was the growing trend of globalization. As the world became more connected through advances in technology and communication, fashion began to reflect this global perspective. This was seen in the rise of ethnic-inspired fashion, as designers looked to traditional dress from around the world for inspiration.

The trend also saw the emergence of new materials and techniques in fashion. As designers began to source fabrics and manufacturing techniques from around the world, new textures and finishes emerged in clothing. This global approach to fashion was seen in the collections of designers like Alexander McQueen and John Galliano, who were known for their avant-garde creations and bold use of materials.

All in all, the 1990s was a decade marked by a diverse range of fashion trends, each influenced by a different set of cultural and societal factors. From grunge to hip-hop to minimalism, the 90s saw a wide range of styles emerge and evolve. While some of these trends may have faded away over time, many of the key elements of 90s fashion continue to influence designers and fashion-lovers today.

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Community · History

Fashion Trends and Influence: 1980s

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The 1980s was a decade of bold and dynamic fashion, characterized by a distinct aesthetic that is instantly recognizable even today. From the rise of punk and new wave to the emergence of MTV and music videos, the 1980s was a time of cultural and social change that was reflected in its fashion trends. In this blog post, we will explore the key fashion trends of the 1980s and what influenced them.

One of the most iconic fashion trends of the 1980s was power dressing, which emerged as a result of the growing number of women entering the workforce in positions of power. Power dressing was characterized by structured, tailored silhouettes, shoulder pads, and bold colors, often featuring strong and assertive accents such as oversized bows, statement jewelry, and bold prints. This trend was heavily influenced by the feminist movement, as women sought to assert their presence and authority in a male-dominated workplace.

Another significant trend of the 1980s was the rise of punk and new wave fashion. Inspired by the music scene, this trend was characterized by leather jackets, studded belts, ripped jeans, and chunky boots. This anti-establishment aesthetic was a reaction to the mainstream fashion of the time and was heavily influenced by the punk rock movement of the 1970s. Bands such as The Sex Pistols and The Clash were major influences on punk fashion, which became a symbol of rebellion and non-conformity.

The 1980s also saw the emergence of hip hop fashion, which was characterized by bold, oversized clothing, including baggy pants, graphic t-shirts, and tracksuits. This trend was heavily influenced by the hip hop music scene, which originated in the Bronx in the 1970s. Hip hop fashion was a reflection of the culture of the streets, and it was often associated with the emerging hip hop subculture, which was defined by its emphasis on self-expression and individuality.

In addition to these trends, the 1980s was also characterized by a range of other fashion styles, including preppy fashion, which was characterized by clean lines, tailored clothing, and bright colors. This trend was influenced by the popularity of Ivy League fashion and was often associated with the upper classes. Another trend was the emergence of the “yuppie” culture, which was characterized by designer labels, power suits, and a focus on materialism and consumerism. This trend was heavily influenced by the economic prosperity of the decade and the rise of the business class.

So what influenced these trends? One of the key influences on 1980s fashion was the emergence of MTV and music videos. Music videos became an important medium for fashion designers and stylists to showcase their designs, and they helped to popularize many of the key trends of the decade. Bands such as Duran Duran, Madonna, and Michael Jackson were major influences on fashion, and their music videos became iconic examples of 1980s style.

Another key influence on 1980s fashion was the growing influence of celebrity culture. The rise of tabloid journalism and the emergence of paparazzi photography helped to make celebrities more accessible and influential than ever before. Celebrities such as Princess Diana, Madonna, and Michael Jackson became style icons, and their fashion choices helped to shape the trends of the decade.

Finally, the social and cultural changes of the 1980s played a significant role in shaping fashion trends. The rise of feminism, the emergence of the hip hop subculture, and the growing influence of youth culture all had a profound impact on fashion. The 1980s was a decade of change and experimentation, and fashion was no exception.

What fashion trends from the 1980s stick out the most in your mind? Are we going to see another resurgence of 80s styles sometime in the near future? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment

Art · History

Fashion Trends and Influence: 1970s

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The 1970s were a decade of significant change in fashion. The fashion trends of the 1970s were influenced by various cultural, political, and social factors that made the styles of the era unique and iconic. The 70s saw the rise of the hippie and disco culture, which had a significant influence on the styles seen from day to day worn by both adults and younger teens. I have done some research and compiled a list of some of the top trends of 70s style and where the influence arose. 

Hippie Culture and Fashion

The hippie movement of the 1960s continued into the early 1970s. The hippie style was characterized by free-flowing garments, tie-dye prints, and a bohemian vibe. The styles were made up of maxi dresses, peasant blouses, flared jeans, and fringed vests. The colors were often earthy and muted, with a lot of browns, greens, and oranges.

Disco Culture and Fashion

The 1970s also saw the emergence of disco culture, which influenced fashion trends in a different way. Disco culture was all about dancing, and the clothes reflected that. The style was characterized by shiny fabrics, metallics, and lots of glitter. The disco style was made up of jumpsuits, bell-bottom pants, and wrap dresses. The colors were often bright and bold, with a lot of blues, pinks, and purples.

Influence of Pop Culture

The decade saw the rise of iconic celebrities such as Farrah Fawcett, Cher, and John Travolta, who all had their signature looks that were emulated by many. Farrah Fawcett’s feathered hairstyle and bell-bottom jeans became a fashion trend, while Cher’s daring and revealing outfits inspired many fashion designers.

Influence of Politics

The political climate of the 1970s also had an influence on fashion trends. The feminist movement was gaining momentum, and women’s fashion was becoming more androgynous. The power suit emerged as a symbol of women’s liberation, and shoulder pads became a fashion trend. The anti-war movement also influenced fashion trends, with many people opting for military-inspired clothing such as fatigue jackets and cargo pants.

Influence of Technology

The 1970s also saw the emergence of new fabrics and materials. Synthetic materials such as polyester became popular, and clothing was often made with bright, bold prints. The use of technology in fashion also led to the creation of stretchy fabrics such as spandex, which were used in disco clothing. Materials otherwise unseen in popular culture.

In Conclusion

As you can see, the fashion trends of the 1970s were influenced by various cultural, political, and social factors that made the styles of the era unique and iconic! The hippie and disco cultures, pop culture, politics, and rise in synthetic technology all contributed in various ways to hit the mainstream. The fashion trends of the 1970s continue to inspire fashion designers and are still popular today.

Tell us about your favorite fashion trends from the 70s…or maybe some that should remain history 🙂

-Ian Drake, Diversity Consignment