A look at the evolution of fashion in 2000-2009: Final Post

In the concluding blog post on fashion of the 00's, I will examine when indie fashion, culture and retail turned into the mainstream norm. In a decade of "mash-up" or recycled fashion, none was more prevalent than the 80's revival. Whether it was Marc Jacob presenting a big shoulder, neon hued collection or D&G bringing back the supermodels of the 80's in a new perfume campaign, the 80's were relevant again.

When Madonna released her 10th studio album Confessions on a Dance Floor, she shocked the world with the video Hung Up featuring her yoga-sculpted body in a bright pink bodysuit. She has been dictating fashion statements since 1982 and not much has changed since then. As the most successful female entertainer of all time, Madonna continues to be a hugely influential trendsetter. Top entertainers from Beyonce to Lady GaGa have followed her lead and made the bodysuit an essential part of their on-stage wardrobe (and in some cases off-stage). While wearing only a bodysuit has not adapted into mainstream culture, a no pants look has definitely been escalating in fashion editorials, magazine covers, music videos and in public.

One major retailer of bodysuits, leggings and other 00’s clothing staples is American Apparel. A head-to-toe American Apparel look consisting of brightly coloured basics became a style of its own and a major part of the hipster trend.

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head is a band that exemplifies the hipster trend.

The hipster trend was based on a contemporary subculture’s interest in non-mainstream fashion until marketers caught on and popularize it. Ironic clothing, skinny jeans, thick-rimmed eyewear and old school footwear, like Converse All Stars or Doc Martens, can define this trend. Also, any vintage and thrift store find, although stores like Urban Outfitters offer mass-produced vintage inspired clothing which is a popular source for hipster clothing.

Top fashion houses have really been playing with shapes in their designs as of the latter half of the decade. The sharp-shoulder black blazer was a huge hit among celebrities. This must-have could be paired with dresses or jeans. It took the shoulder pad look of the 80’s and reshaped it into a modern classic. If the shape wasn’t played up in the shoulders, the volume of hips was accentuated with bottoms, such as the Harlem pant. Many designers adapted modern Harlem pants into their collections to mixed reviews.

Other favourable mentions: LV Multi-Coloured bag, Doc Martins (and the mini grunge revival), Tweeds, Feather dresses and accessories, Ankle Length Boots, Bubble Skirts, A-Symmetrical Dresses, Suit Vests

Worst fashion trends: Armband (the bracelet for your arm), Capri pants, Peasant Blouses, Ed Hardy, Crocs, Velour Tracksuits, Rompers

What is most interesting about the fashion of the 00's is how quickly fashion trends were consumed and spit out. We went through 70's, 60's, 50's and 80's phases faster than we could say charge it. Is it because each of those decades offers a piece of icon fashion we want to relive or is it because we need something new to aspire to buy. I don't think just because this was a "mash-up" decade that it means designers have any less to say or that the popularity of sweats means that our culture has evolved into a lackluster style funk.
The classics will live on because they are timeless. Originality will be praised because it inspires us. Trends are just the way we express the moment - here and now. Because clothing shapes our memories and excites us for the future.

Images: www.breatheheavy.com