COVID 19 AND FASHION; CHANGE WILL HAPPEN.

COVID 19 AND FASHION;

CHANGE WILL HAPPEN.

While the world outside has quietened to an unreal pace, I wonder when, if ever we will return to normal. Certainly, most of us living have never been through anything like this before. While some might think fashion is a frivolous pursuit, I believe that fashion is not only an artistic and practical profession, but it tells the story of who we are and who we were. In fact, learning about fashion is very much a study of society. What will be the fashion story that comes out of this pandemic?

Telling the fashion stories that have come out of other great disasters could fill volumes. In fact, it is these momentous events that have formed the fashion of today. Notably, the study of history not only informs us about the past but it also allows us to envision and forecast the future. To put it differently, human accomplishments and creativity are a conglomerate of our shared past. Therefore let us look at the past to see what Covid19 might hold for us in the future.

COVID 19 AND FASHION

WWI

Certainly, a crisis is a motivator for change, and fashion will be changed by this current one. Historically many of the freedoms of current fashion were born out of a crisis. In fact, some of the greatest fashion changes for women came out of WWI. First, this is when the class system broke down and the rigid social norms of wearing a corset were loosened. The loosening of the corset, reflected the social changes of women discovering new liberties born out of the world conflict.

Second materials became scarce and the creation of new textiles and the expanded use of existing textiles lead to innovation. Certainly, one of the greatest innovators was Coco Chanel, who was inspired by the jersey of men's underwear to create comfortable couture pieces. In fact, Chanel's designs made her the innovative brand of the day.

COVID 19 AND FASHION

"Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street, fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening."

Coco Chanel

COVID 19 AND FASHION;

THE CHANGE CONTINUES

Indeed the first wearing of medical face masks became common place during the 1918 influenza pandemic. Although they were considered essential protection, for the fashionistas of the day they also became fashion statements. In fact, much like today some produced masks to match their wardrobes. The twenties were partially a reaction to the isolation, confinement and death from the Spanish Flu. Certainly, living through a pandemic led to the excess of the 20's, including fashion which was exuberant and lavish. However, nothing lasts forever and the stock market crash of 1929 brought more significant change.

Political unrest and the great depression lead to great creativity. The 1930's saw many repairing and reusing,clothing , this creative remaking brought self expression into fashion. The creative reinterpretation of fashion during the 1930's and 40's was born out of political unrest, war and the lack of materials. In fact, the further liberation of women occurred at this time as they were called into the workforce. Fashion during this time was based on practically and influenced by uniforms.

In the same manner of past crisis's the way we look at fashion will certainly change. Comparatively, past wars and pandemics have changed the focus towards fashion. Indeed, we can expect the same, a move towards quality over quantity, locally over globally and individuality over mass trends. Certainly, our movement towards sustainability in fashion will be accelerated.

"BUY LESS. CHOOSE WELL. MAKE IT LAST "

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD

COVID 19 AND FASHION

RETURNING TO LIFE

While no one predicts that the flood gates will open and we'll all have a parade, this crisis will end. We certainly can't predict the future, and from where we sit buried in homemade bread and empty Chardonnay bottles it seems a long way off. However, when our freedom comes it may well parallel the end of past crises. Will life open up with brilliant color, exultation, parties, and celebration?

When WWI ended the roaring twenties exploded. When WWII ended fashion was freed by the fabulous 'New Look' of Christian Dior. Therefore, what will happen to Fashion in a post-corona world? History tells us we may well see an explosion of creativity, brilliant color, and over-the-top designs and silhouettes.

1920s Flapper Dress

Christian Dior: The New Look

Certainly, our pent up creativity is already being expressed on Instagram and other social media platforms. A huge change in fashion will occur because of our changing minds and attitudes. Certainly, we will emerge scarred and relieved. After that initial burst of exuberance, we may have some different priorities. First on the top of the list may be a concern for our collective health and vitality. as well as our relationship with our Earth. All of this leads me to believe fashion might move to the easy-to-wear, durable items that will see us through a time of change and upheaval.

COVID 19 AND FASHION

WE CAN DESIGN THE FUTURE

As a result of the corona virus we will be forced to make changes, however, some of these changes could be for the better. Certainly, fashion lovers have a herd mentality, we will forever be influenced by the style, creativity, and designs of others. But perhaps this global shut-down will have one benefit: the stalling of the inflated fashion industry could expose the irrelevance of being avid trend followers. If we have learned anything it is that society as we know it is fragile, and that we are fortunate to have the fundamentals of health, family, friends, and food, and perhaps the obsession with the next trend may not possess as much value.

Moreover, the economic crisis that this dreadful virus has thrust us into may overtake what our grandparents and great grandparents frugality were formed by, the Great Depression. Certainly, the immediate celebratory attires of our post corona victory will fade. But without disposable incomes to spend on fast fashion trends, we will have to invest in more essential goods, we will also be forced to be more creative with what our closets already contain. Moreover, this may also lead us to return to past sewing skills and procure more made to last fashion.

COVID 19 AND FASHION

While our wallets recover we will be purchasing less disposable fashion, however, what might be encouraged is supporting smaller local designers. Certainly, I hope that these practices will last past the current crisis. We have already seen numerous global store closures, drops in stock prices, canceled fashion shows, and postponed events. Eventually some of these things will return, but how will they be changed. Virtual fashion shows, remote art openings, and zoom cocktail parties may be a part of us fashionistas futures.

What we can hope and encourage is a movement towards a more sustainable fashion. Massive change will happen as the fashion industry gradually comes back on board. To keep many brands going they will need to be smarter and sustainable. If this cabin fever produces anything it may be more self-reliance and creativity. In fact when everything changes we tend to go back to the basics. Therefore we can expect a renaissance in the belief of beauty in fashion and an expression of individualism and uniqueness. While this takes place we can hope that our planet will be able to heal some more.

WHAT'S HOT ?

From my seventh floor window I can see an abridged version of the world go by. I strain to see any fashion statements appearing on the various socially distanced pedestrians. In the spring air a common thread can be seen, the track suit. In many designs from various fashion brands the track suit seems to be the great equalizer. From the fashionista across the street to the delivery person on their bike, track suit are the chosen apparel for the isolated who venture out! While shopping is only available online the variety of hoodies and sweats is copious. Let's see what I found for those of you who want to freshen your daily wardrobe. Remember, this isolation will end one and day and with that in mind, choose pieces that will be long term and much loved additions to your wardrobe.

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