From the Fashion Archives - The 1960's

This decade is all about showing social movements by your clothing choices. It also birthed the still-popular bikini style bathing suit, as well as the mini skirt and iconic prints such as tie-dye and paisley.

In the early sixties, the Mods (London Modernists) helped shape the fashion trends for men (think The Beatles).

Designers noticed that young adults were the main consumers, so they started basing their designs on the young lifestyle, only to their massive success.

Ah, the Stiletto. They became popular during this decade, along with A-line dresses, sleeveless shift dresses and fluorescent colours.

Who could forget the hippies? Their style is so unique; peasant blouses, gypsy-style skirts, scarves and bangles.

And last but not least, one of my favourite style icons, the beautiful Brigitte Bardot in her prime.

Amanda

From the fashion archives from the 1940's

Classic and beautiful, the 40's never goes out of style when it comes to fashion.

This was the era of Dior, Chanel and names that are less popular now such as Oleg Cassini, Edith Head and Madelaine Vionnet.

Tweeds, wools, cotton, silk and linen were the popular fabrics.

You didn't see pin-up girls everywhere, but you can see inspiration from them nearly everywhere in this decade!

The dresses would flatter the female figure, emphasizing the waist. This was the era when the "hourglass" became the "It" look.

Gloves were popular, horn rimmed glasses were invented, and high heels got higher!

Amanda

From the Fashion Archives - 1930's

In the 1930's, the female form was celebrated and accentuated. Hair became softer and prettier, and nighttime glamour continued in full force.

Due to the depression, the demand for clothing decreased dramatically. Designers started to explore more affordable materials. Good thing the Flappers in the 20's made it possible for women to wear less fabric! Backless evening gowns became popular, as well as Greek-inspired designs.

Coco Chanel's more casual style became very popular, especially the trailblazing woman's suit design.

Jean Harlow was the Original "Blonde Bombshell" of the 30's and a fashion icon.

In 2008, 1930's fashion was revived by John Galliano and Baby Phat. It was also exemplified in Johnny Depp's recent film, Public Enemies. Below are pictures of Johnny Depp and co-star Marion Cotillard as Dillinger and his lady, donning 30's fashion at its best.

Then and now....

Amanda

From the Fashion Archives - 1920's

Hello Patent Readers!

My name is Amanda Mersereau and I am the newest addition to Patent, as their resident blogger! Four times a week I will take you through everything from fashion history and designer bios to "It" items and hotspots for shopping, food and nightlife in the GTA. I will cover the hottest topics and trends to keep my readers updated and on top of everything pertaining to the urban lifestyle. Enjoy!



From the fashion archives...

Once a week I will take you back in time to a decade in the 20th century. I will outline trends from that decade, and show you where these trends can be found on today's runways and clothing racks. This week I will cover the 1920's, when women started to revolt and the flappers paved the way for women everywhere to show a bit of skin!



This decade was nicknamed "The Roaring 20's" for a reason! This was the Jazz Age, when young men and women would stay out late and dance. They would attend extravagantly glamorous parties; fashionable and carefree. After the war, women's fashion began to change. Dresses and haircuts were shorter, and women often wore embellished headbands, much like they do today.

Some pictures of how flapper style can be achieved today, at a party or on the runway

Amanda