1990s in fashion
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The 1990s in popular culture is typically referred to as the decade of "anti-fashion".[citation needed] In reality, anti-fashion was only one of many trends in fashion in the 1990s. The fashion of the 1990s was characterized by minimalist styles, and many overlapping, often contradictory trends.[citation needed]
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[edit] Early 1990s fashion
The most significant event was the rise of grunge fashion in 1991. [1]Grunge fashion consisted of both sexes wearing flannel shirts and other typical outdoor clothing, often bought in thrift shops. The general appearance was unkempt and androgynous. This fashion was made popular by Seattle-based band Nirvana and its lead singer Kurt Cobain. The grunge look lasted until the end of the decade.[citation needed] Retro clothing inspired by the 1960s and 1970s was also popular for much of the 1990s.[citation needed]
In the early 1990s, as an alternative to grunge, the tight lycra or black leather mini skirt, also known as a tube skirt, which began as a trend in the mid-1980s, continued to be popular. This was especially so in Europe. These skirts were often paired with long blazers, which would continue to be worn throughout the decade. Tank tops, often of silk or synthetic silk were in style. The cinch-belt was a trendy accessory. Mini dresses in Lycra were also worn, and these often featured built-in bra cups. Sequined and lace cocktail dresses were also briefly popular in 1990-1991.
Inspired by Michelle Pfeiffer's performance of Catwoman in the 1992 film Batman Returns, the catsuit, enjoyed popularity. British singer Victoria Beckham would later be seen wearing a black catsuit in several Spice Girls videos. These were usually made of latex, PVC, or Spandex and often worn with high-heeled boots. From the beginning of the decade, boots were to be popular winter footwear throughout the 1990s.
The black leather jacket for men and women was a popular trend. As in the previous decade, the American singer Madonna continued to be a fashion inspiration for girls and young women.
Belly button piercing became a hit in 1991 among teenage girls, young women, and was even briefly present among young men. This led to the introduction of belly shirts that left the belly uncovered to expose the belly button. Other types of body piercing became popular later in the decade, and lasted into the 2000s.
[edit] Mid 1990s
In the mid 1990s, platform shoes made a come-back for women and girls. Other types of heavy shoes and boots with thick heels were also worn. Along with the shoes, flared jeans and trousers appeared on the fashion scene. In Europe, slinky, floor-length dresses, often made of Lycra, were worn in the daytime as well as the evening. A major influence on British fashion was the all-girl pop group The Spice Girls. Diana, Princess of Wales was also a fashion icon. The 1990s was the decade of the supermodel when fashion models such as Kate Moss, Claudia Schiffer, Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford,Tyra Banks, and Linda Evangelista became international celebrities.
[edit] Late 1990s
In 1997, cords also became popular in colours such as black tan, and gray. Corduroy continued as a trend through 2001. The rise of "seventies revival" can be traced back to the cult classic Dazed and Confused, which gained its cult status during this period. Hair for girls was long, straight and worn with the central parting which had been fashionable in the late 1960s and 1970s, and obsolete in the 1980s. Also, most teenagers during this period were born in, and had some personal knowledge of the seventies, albeit brief.
[edit] Punk/Goth
Punk and alternative styles, spiky hair, black t-shirts, black work pants, wraparound sunglasses, and skater shoes. Many punk and alternative boys dyed their hair colours like blue, green, and fuchsia. In 1997, the 1980s Goth trend resurged among teenagers due to the popularity of bands such as The Cure and Marilyn Manson. Black clothing and make-up (both females and males), long or back-combed black hair, studded bracelets, and black boots all made comebacks. The Punk and goth styles survived into the 2000s in modified forms.
[edit] Dockers and Cargo pants
In 1998, khaki pants were popular among teenaged boys, due to the popularity of golfer Tiger Woods[citation needed]. For the first time, cargo pants became mainstream. Camo pants enjoyed a brief resurgence. Among girls, baby t-shirts and spaghetti strap tank tops continued to be popular, and the low rise jean phenomenon began in mens and women's fashion. In 1999, Aloha shirts (Hawaiian shirts), became a major fad. Capri pants, a tapered pant that ends mid calf, became popular with girls and women as well as boys and men. Pink became the dominant women's clothing colour.
[edit] Cosmetics
The early to mid nineties focused on natural looking make up, a move away from the bright heavily applied trends of the eighties. Beige, brown, and nude matte lipstick was popular for much of the decade. The late 1990s moved more toward deep reds, and berries. Glitter was hugely popular through much mid to late 90's. Glitter would commonly be applied near the eye, as well as on the arms or chest.
[edit] Image Gallery
Below is a series of images relating to the styles of the 1990s.
 Olive green, was a popular colour throughout most of the decade. |
 Kurt Cobain, lead singer of Nirvana, was an inspiration for the grunge look that made its entrance into mainstream fashion in the early 1990s. |
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 Singer Hope Sandoval in 1992 wearing boots and patterned tights. |
 The German Electro rock duo Das Ich, 1993. Their aspect shows the influence of the Goth look which returned in the 1990s. |
 Young woman in New York City, 1995 with her belly button esposed. |
 Heavy shoes with thick heels, such as this shoe seen in the photo, were worn from the mid-1990s until the end of the decade. |
 Two women wearing bandanas, 1999. |
[edit] References
[edit] See also
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to: 1990s fashion |
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