Fashion of Yesterday and Today: "Fashion is a Lifestyle"

There have been many youth fashion movements throughout the 20th Century which have had both an aesthetic and social impact on society.

Flappers were a "new breed" of young women in the 1920s who wore short skirts, cut their hair, listened to Jazz, and flaunted their contempt for the traditions of the day.

Notable Flappers of the Era

Zelda Fitzgerald

"Why should all life be work, when we all can borrow.

Let's think only of today, and not worry about tomorrow."

Clara Bow

Clara Bow was a Hollywood movie star during the Silent Film Era in the 1920s. With her large doll like eyes, vibrant red hair and reckless, carefree persona, Clara Bow idealized the image of the "Flapper" in 1920s America.

Key Pieces

The Flapper Dress

Miss Selfridge £65.00

Miss Selfridge, £75.00

Key Accessories

Rebel Without A Cause

Dissatisfied with the standards of the day and trying to find their own voice, the youth of the 1950s began a social movement to be heard and accepted by the older generation. This was symbolised in the film, "Rebel Without A Cause" starring James Dean and Natalie Wood. Other key figures of this time include Marlon Brando and Elvis Presley,who started a new music style, Rock and Roll.

Key Pieces

The Leather Jacket

Reiss £350

Topshop £65.00

Denim

Topshop, £55, £40
Image 1 of River Island Sketch Studded Biker Boots

1960s MODS

The Mod movement began in the early 1960s in London. Popularized by designers like Mary Quant, the Image of the Mod was young, hip, carefree and of their time. Many people symbolized this ideal but it was the Film and Music stars of the 1960s that came to represent the Mod movement.