American Costume, 1915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.210 -270)

Summary

Styles in the sixties was a mix of the past fashions and innovations of styles from different countries. The sixties was a time when everyone was closer and the nation and the rest of the world came together. The mix of styles that now became common in the United States included beads from Africa, fur and boots from Russia, and jackets from India. This new style was credited to the idea that people became more interested and curious in the places other than the United States. The fashions of the Sixties were very eclectic, different, bold, and some might go as far and call it "weird". Mens styles were more tough and serious, like the leather motorcycle jackets, and dominant black suits. There was also a playful side in mens style with the hippie look. This included tunic shirts with bright print, long hair, big hair, and a rock and role look. For women they experienced all the fashions which included, kimonos from China, muumuus from Hawaii, and caftans from the Middle East. The Sixties was known for its provocative fashion, and swinging lifestyles.

Quotation

" The human race forsook its firm foothold on the planet Earth during the decade of the 1960s and thereby changed its perspective for all time"( O'Donnol 211).

Reaction

The quote in my interpretation is basically saying that the sixties was the decade for experiments. It seemed to be the time when everyone wanted to try something new and change their old ways. I agree with it because from what I heard and seen from the sixties things were very different than any other decade before it , or even after it. Even from comparing the sixties to our current decade there were wilder and crazier times during the sixties.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.160-210)

Summary

Following World War II, America went through major changes. With the war no longer in mind, fashion once again became a great deal of focus. since the economy was flowing, Americans started living lavishly. The wars seemed to change a lot of things, for example, women were no longer housewives, they went out and earned money for their families. Fashion became more daring with designers from Paris constantly creating art. Christian Dior's line for women was very outrageous because the waistline was hardly visible since it was so tiny. Heels Several inches higher than what was being worn before. The years after World War II was when women reclaimed their feminism with fashion. This for them meant wearing tighter clothing that hugged all their curves and show the world their sexy side. For the men the jackets were now single breasted, and the the shoulders of the jackets were less padded. Hair for men was worn short, and usually included a parting on the center or on the side. There was very high demands for mens high silk hat, which was worn to formal White-Tie events. The years following the war, brought a new wave of fashion for men and women.

Quotation

" The resulting loss of identity sent many people ( if they could afford it) to a psychiatrist's couch in the search of their lost selves"( O'Donnol 150).

Reaction

I understand what drove the people to see a psychiatrist after the end of WWII. When an event like that occur, you question yourself and the world as to why things like that happen. I can relate from a personal experience, when my grandfather died, I questioned why God would let that happen, if he was the being that was suppose to protect us. Then after talking to some people I calmed down a little because I knew that he was in a better place, and that things happen for a reason.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.110 -160)

Summary

As the thirties came to an end, things were not so good for the United States. World War II began and America once again was in war even thought they wanted to stay out of it. That changed after Japan dropped a bomb on Pearl Harbor. This got American furious, and therefore they prepared to go to war. With fashion ever changing, new uniforms had to be made for the men and women who joined the army. The uniform for the men didn't really change that much from WWI. For the women they had to wear trimmed short skirts, thick jackets, and hats with the names of their armed services on it. The people that remained home continued with some of the styles from the thirties. However, women clothing got more darker in color, more dramatic, and the dresses were worn in different ways. Men clothing changed a bit due to the new jobs that required comfort over style. Like jobs in the offices, talent scouts, and lawyers began to dress more conservative rather than extravagant.

Quotation

"Although scientific development was focused on the war effort , some advancement occurred in the world of everyday living"(O'Donnol 112).

Reaction

I have to agree with the quote which is basically saying that technology evolved with cause. If there were no wars or other traumatizing events in the world nothing would change. Technology helps a lot in wars because its very efficient, but technology also help in everyday life. Without technology the world would not change as much or as fast.

American Costume, !915-1970 by Shirley Miles O'Donnol (pg.50 -110)

Summary

As the 30s rolled around there became a great depression. a lot of people might not know this, but since there was an decrease in the economy during that period, there was also a decrease in fashion. People started to wear more unattractive clothes since they could no longer afford the usual elegant costumes that they use to don. It became very dangerous for the rich living during the depression to war nice clothes on the street because people who couldn't afford it terrorized them. The Great Depression deserved a lot of recognition in the fashion world because it made swim wear with lesser material. Because of the depression we now have bikinis, and clothing with less material on them. It was a very slow period during the 30s for fashion because there was no new trend, it was the same trends used in the 20s that was used in the 30s. With fashion came music, and at that time Frank Sinatra was one of the most popular current singer. Thus, the classic look of men entertainer was created ( fitted black suit with a bow tie).

Quotation

" the stock market crash in the late 1929 ushered in a desperate era in America that prevailed throughout the following decade"(O'Donnol 71).

Reaction

Its kind of weird to think back to that time and see that the same thing is happening today. Right now we are in a recession due to the market crash and in the 30s America was in a great depression also by the same cause. Relating to fashion, the same thing is happening when money is tight people tend to wear their old clothes and or make their own original outfits. I find it very interesting how parallel these two periods are.