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No one trend is supreme in the fashion world at any one time. There are hundreds of competitive looks that are epitomized by different fashion labels. Fashion design has evolved from the universal style worn by everyone.
Englishman Charles Fredrick Worth opened the first haute couture house in Paris in 1858, becoming the first famous fashion designer. Previously clothing design and creation was dictated by individuals who approached dressmakers ordering completed garments.
Continued advances of communication and technology created an increase in the production of and desire for new textiles. The tradition of designers sketching out designs rather than the completed garment began as an economy.
As women became more independent they began to demand more practical clothing. In the early 1900s the Maison Redfern tailored suit became an indispensable part of the well dressed women's wardrobe. Based directly on it's male counterpart, it was both practical and elegant.
When Christian Dior launched his 'New Look' in 1947 it was possible for a fashion designer to radically transform the way a woman dressed. Tired of the broad shoulders and short skirts of war years fashion, women loved the feminine long full skirts and small shouldered nipped in tops that Dior created for them. He made them feel glamorous and as renovated as the movie stars on the silver screen.
Although most women could not afford a couture dress, the New Look fashion was made available to women as mass manufacturing took hold in America. This is when fashion for all became a reality and the trend has accelerated each decade.
Fashion has long been influenced by the world of art and current events. Over the years designers have taken inspiration from the Art Deco movement, Salvador Dali and ancient Greek civilizations to name but a few. Hemlines, adornments and cuts of fabric wereigned during times of war or economic depression, giving rise to sleek, elegant, slim fitting outfits more suitable for the aspiring feminist.
The popularity of American movie stars like Marilyn Monroe, Grace Kelly and Lauren Bacall created a desire to copy their 'Look' and as they were seen by more people than the catwalk fashion shows, they became more influential. Celebrities have become the ideal showcase for designer fashion, with many fashion homes choosing a celebrity rather than a model to advertise their garments.
Followers of fashion have very different values and lifestyles and choose the style epitomised by a particular fashion label. As a result there will never be another 'New Look' that is taken up by everyone to some degree. The Romantics will follow John Galliano while the Rebels followed Alexander McQueen and so on. Every taste from Avant-Garde to Status Symbol is catered for, transforming fashion to big business and high art rather than small scale luxury.
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