A Stroll Through Great Moments in Fashion
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Stroll back in time and you’ll find moments that changed style as it is known today. In a report in its current issue, W magazine offers highlights.
1990 to 1999
* Fashion extremes go from grunge to deconstruction to slipdresses and casual Fridays.
* Giorgio Armani recognizes that dresses worn to the Oscars can be a publicity bonanza. He is the first to “publicly dress” the stars, leading to the return of glamour in Hollywood.
* Inner-city street fashion, or the hip-hop look, influences designers from Helmut Lang to Tommy Hilfiger.
1980 to 1989
* Claude Montana and Thierry Mugler popularize strong, sometimes linebacker shoulders; Christian LaCroix creates the pouf.
* MTV becomes a major fashion influence.
* Donna Karan launches her own collection, giving women an alternative to the power suit.
1970 to 1979
* Disco has a profound influence as Norma Kamali and Betsey Johnson push shiny, revealing clothes for daytime.
* Designer jeans are born.
* Halston is the most visible American designer, with his liquid jerseys and unconstructed separates.
1960 to 1969
* Yves Saint Laurent, still in his mid-20s, leaves Christian Dior and quickly becomes a design star with his peacoats and pantsuits.
* In London, designer Mary Quant shocks the world with the miniskirt.
* The antiwar movement in the United States spawns the new hippie culture and the unisex look arises.
1950-1959
* Dior’s fit-and-flare rules the decade.
* New York designers become increasingly influential, thanks to James Galanos, Norman Norell and Claire McCardell.
* Teenage girls favor circular poodle skirts with big crinolines, twin sweater sets and saddle shoes.