Designer Dress Revolution of the 1960s

How Fashion has Changed Over the Decades

Prior to the 1960s, Paris was the undisputed center of the fashion world. However, the cultural revolution of the mid-1960s forever changed the way fashion was perceived by the public, and by the industry itself.

The 1960s were about individuality, self-expression, and thinking outside of tradition and convention. In the fashion world, that meant there would never again be a single, prevailing trend. Instead there would be multiple trends coexisting; some complementary, some not. The 1960s also spurred a sea change in the commercial, creative, and political power of youth, which had a profound impact on fashion. The iconic psychedelic color schemes and Bohemian clothing of the 1960s established an independent youth fashion that was uniquely its own; this was vastly different than previous generations, who followed fashions that were a watered down version of what was popular with their elders. Just like sex, drugs, and rock ‘n roll, fashion became an integral expression of youth and personal freedom.

London was often at the forefront of these changes, led by Mary Quant, who made mini-skirts popular. Paris, while still more true to haute couture, also had its share of revolutionary designers including Pierre Cardin and Yves Saint Laurent. But some traditionalists, like Coco Chanel, resisted the revolution and held firm to more classic, conservative designs. To this day, Chanel is perceived as a fashion house for more mature women.

Instead of going to couture houses, 1960s youths gravitated toward small boutiques established by new designers, a trend that has lived on through the new millennium. In addition to offering new designs, these new designers enthusiastically embraced the new synthetic fabrics, primarily because they absorbed dyes exceptionally well and produced the bright, vivid colors that were so highly sought after.

The result of this fashion revolution? Designer dresses of the 1960s exploded onto the scene with a variety of styles, shapes, and colors, made to fit a gamut of individual tastes. Choice, variety and niche looks may be the norm today, but fifty years ago, this sort of panoramic fashion was nothing short of revolutionary.

Ever since many of the iconic women of the 1960 era began wearing designer clothes, we’ve seen a trend that has many of the clothing making a return to the runway. It seems that just about every seven to ten years, fashion from a previous decade has managed to make its way right back into our closets. If we were smart, we would never throw anything away!

Hi, my name is Jennifer and I enjoy writing about women's fashion, including designer jumpsuits, swimwear, evening gowns, and everything in between.