Publication Date
Spring 3-27-2025
Presentation Length
15 minutes
College
O'More College of Architecture & Design
Department
Fashion Design and Merchandising
Student Level
Undergraduate
SPARK Category
Scholarship
Faculty Advisor
Priscilla Gitimu
WELL Core Type
Intellectual Wellness
SPARK Session
11:45 -12:45 Fashion Connection with Art, Politics, and Technology Room JMC 408
Presentation Type
Talk/Oral
Summary
Fashion has and always will reflect the changes in society, and it is fascinating to learn what politics and war have done to guide these changes. The zeitgeist of the time as reflected in politics and war have an impact on changes in styles, production of textiles, and apparel. This presentation describes historical times when fashion, politics, and war showed obvious connection.
The Rococo era was the time period just before the French revolution from the 1730s to the 1760s. This era is defined by distinctive styles of art and fashion which were heavily influenced by the wealthy nobility at the Palace of Versailles and their desire to communicate their wealth through their look. The abundance of wealth displayed in the upper class caused a revolt in the lower classes.
During World War II, the role of women changed in society, causing a need for change in women’s fashion for the first time. With this, shorter skirts, new makeup trends, and new textiles emerged.
During the 1960s, Mexican American’s used fashion as a symbol to fight for their civil rights. Styles we would recognize today like Zoot suits, high waisted baggy pants, and bandanas were a result of this movement.
The fashion industry is an ever-changing revolving door and politics often contribute to changes in fashion.
Recommended Citation
van Wijk, Anneke MN; Garcia Francisco, Carolina; and Hamrick, Simon, "History of Fashion: Politics and War" (2025). SPARK Symposium Presentations. 323.
https://repository.belmont.edu/spark_presentations/323
