In the pic: Protest organised by the British Society for the Protection of Mini Skirts in front of the House of Dior in 1966
Fashion is a reflection of the society we live in. It's common that this evolves and becomes a social referent. Garments that we now find so basic and essential in our wardrobes, like a pair of trousers or a mini skirt, were once very controversial and vindictive, becoming key garments of the fight for equal gender and women's rights.
Here at Some Thing Never Fade we want to celebrate International Women's Day by analysing the 3 garments that, for us, have become symbols of feminism throughout history and we are pairing them some designer vintage items from our online shop that represent them best. As the designer Anne Klein was preaching in the previous century: “Clothes aren't going to change the world. The women who wear them will”.
1. Trousers
For many centuries, women were forbidden to wear trousers in public. Even though in the 1920s, the French designer Coco Chanel managed to popularise and democratise this type of garment, it wasn't until World War II that it was adapted to the new labour needs of women and became part of women's usual attire. But the big turning point for trousers was when big movie stars such as Marlene Dietrich, Katharine Hepburn or Audrey Hepburn, wore them in the big screen proving that one could still look feminine wearing a pair of pants.
As you know, in Some Thing Never Fade's online shop, we have a selection of designer vintage trousers in all styles, from the most casual to the most sophisticated. Our proposal are the Jil Sander white cotton trousers perfect for the warmest months ahead and the Missoni mon fit jeans, a great quality basic item that will become a key garment in your closet.
But the biggest artist that knew how to adapt the codes and clothes of masculin attire to women's curves was the French designer Yves Saint Laurent. With its reinterpretation of the classic smoking, that he presented in the mid 1960s, he managed to adapt those masculine lines to the women's body, transferring to women that feeling of power the traditional tuxedo gives off and challenged the stereotypes about masculine and feminine gender roles.
"If Chanel gave women their freedom, it was Saint Laurent who empowered them" - Pierre Bergé
If you've been paying attention to Some Thing Never Fade's instagram, you'll already know that we have our own version of the smoking in stock, built from different designer vintage pieces from our collection. The wide leg tailored trousers, like these ones from Armani, are an empowered basic you need in your wardrobe and if you pair them with a high quality blazer, like this one by MaxMara, you'll achieve the smoking look without giving up on sustainability
But maybe, the most iconic fashion revolution was because of Mary Quant and her mini skirt minifalda that turned the status quo of the 60s upside down. In the middle of the cultural revolution, when bands like The Beatles and the it girls of the moment, such as the actresses Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, were promoting the ideals of the new generation, this garment this garment was positioned as a symbol of rebellion and liberation for many young women. This is the reality behind the mini skirt and what makes this garment such a versatile piece that adapts to the style of every decade.
You probably have more than one mini skirt in your closet, pero if you want to elevate your style with designer vintage items, our proposal are these two items from our colection. If you want a rock style skirt that will keep up with all your partying, our proposal is this Versace skirt, but if your style is more sweet and classic, you'll love the Burberry check skirt, that never goes out of style.
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