Fashion in Hollywood: A Century of Influence
For nearly a century, Hollywood has dictated what’s cool, what’s beautiful, and what’s fashionable. During Hollywood’s Golden Age (roughly the 1920s through the 1960s), film stars were the fashion icons, influencing how women saw themselves and what they aspired to be.
But it’s more than just influence. Hollywood fashion hasn’t just reflected changes in society. It has actively shaped global fashion trends and cultural ideals for over a century.
The Roaring Twenties: The Birth of Glamour
The 1920s in Hollywood marked a seismic shift in fashion, as movie stars began to influence everyday style. This era saw the rise of “glamour” and a departure from the more restrictive styles of the past.
Key Trends
- The Flapper Style: The flapper look embraced freedom and modernity with short hemlines and loose silhouettes. Beaded dresses and fringed embellishments were all the rage.
- Art Deco Influence: Geometric patterns and luxurious fabrics defined Art Deco style. Sleek lines and sophisticated designs were highly sought after.
Iconic Figures
- Clara Bow: As the quintessential “It Girl,” Clara Bow embodied the flapper spirit.
- Louise Brooks: With her signature bobbed hair and minimalist style, Louise Brooks became a symbol of modern femininity.
The Glamorous 1930s
The fashions of the 1930s were all about elegance and sophistication.
Key Trends
- Bias-Cut Dresses: These dresses, popularized by designers like Madeleine Vionnet, were cut on the diagonal, creating a figure-hugging silhouette that draped beautifully.
- Sophisticated Evening Gowns: Long, flowing dresses made of luxurious fabrics were the go-to for evening events. Think glamour and sophistication.
Iconic Figures
- Jean Harlow: The platinum blonde bombshell was known for her figure-hugging gowns.
- Greta Garbo: Garbo epitomized sophisticated simplicity with her understated elegance and slightly androgynous style.
The Resilient 1940s: Fashion During Wartime
The 1940s were marked by World War II, and fashion reflected the need for practicality and resourcefulness. “Utility clothing” became the norm, featuring shorter hemlines and simpler designs to conserve materials.
However, women were also increasingly entering the workforce, and tailored suits with strong shoulders and defined waists became a powerful symbol of their changing roles.
Iconic Figures
Katharine Hepburn epitomized the era’s shift towards practicality, often sporting pantsuits and comfortable clothing that challenged traditional notions of femininity.
In contrast, Rita Hayworth radiated glamour even amidst the wartime austerity, reminding audiences of the power and beauty of classic Hollywood style.
The Glamorous 1950s: Post-War Fashion & The New Look
Following the end of World War II, there was a resurgence of femininity and luxury in Hollywood fashion. This era saw the rise of iconic styles and the emergence of a distinct youth culture.
Key Trends
- Christian Dior’s “New Look”: This revolutionary style emphasized a return to classic femininity with full skirts, cinched waists, and longer hemlines. Petticoats and crinolines were used to create dramatic volume.
- Youth Culture Influence: The 1950s saw the rise of casual wear and rebellious styles among young people, including poodle skirts and saddle shoes.
Iconic Figures
- Marilyn Monroe: The quintessential bombshell, Marilyn Monroe’s hourglass figure and glamorous style defined the decade.
- Audrey Hepburn: In contrast to Monroe’s overt sensuality, Audrey Hepburn epitomized classic elegance and sophistication.
The 1950s were a fascinating time in Hollywood fashion, marked by both a return to traditional glamour and the emergence of new, youthful styles.
The Swinging Sixties and Beyond: A Revolution in Style
The 1960s brought a seismic shift in fashion, and Hollywood was right there at the epicenter. Youth culture and pop art began to influence fashion trends, and individuality became the name of the game. Out were the rigid expectations of previous decades; in were bold colors, geometric patterns, and hemlines that dared to climb ever higher.
Key Trends
- The Rise of Mod Fashion: Think mini skirts and vibrant, graphic designs.
- A Shift Toward Individuality: Celebrities started experimenting with styles ranging from bohemian chic to futuristic, space-age looks.
Iconic Figures
- Twiggy: The androgynous “it” girl with endless legs and a youthful energy, Twiggy was the face of the Mod era.
- Jackie Kennedy: Even after leaving the White House, Jackie remained a style icon, embodying timeless elegance and sophisticated simplicity with her pillbox hats and A-line dresses.
The cultural impact of Hollywood fashion
More than just a series of beautiful outfits, Hollywood fashion has often reflected the shifting cultural landscape and even helped to shape it.
Fashion as a reflection of social change
As women’s roles in society changed, so did the clothing they wore on screen. The flapper dresses of the Roaring Twenties symbolized liberation and freedom from the constraints of earlier generations, while the tailored suits of the 1940s and 50s reflected women’s growing presence in the workforce.
Youth culture in the 1950s had a major impact on casual wear, both on and off the screen.
Film as a fashion platform
Costume design became an increasingly important aspect of filmmaking, and designers like Edith Head became household names. With the advent of color film, Hollywood fashion became even more vibrant and visually appealing, giving it an even greater impact on viewers.
The lasting legacy of Hollywood fashion
From the Golden Age to the present, Hollywood fashion has had a powerful and lasting influence on the way we see ourselves and the world around us.
Timeless styles
Some silhouettes and garments continue to endure as hallmarks of Hollywood style, including:
- The hourglass silhouette, which emphasizes a woman’s curves
- The Little Black Dress (LBD), a wardrobe staple for every woman
- Tailored suits, which communicate power and sophistication
Cultural resonance
What stars wore onscreen and off helped to shape cultural perceptions of beauty and femininity. When a celebrity endorsed a particular style or product, fans often stampeded to copy the look.
Hollywood’s contributions to the world of fashion have been truly transformative.
Final Thoughts
For over a century, Hollywood fashion has done more than just reflect the changes in society. It has actively shaped global fashion trends and cultural ideals, influencing what people wear around the world.
Hollywood style continues to evolve and inspire.