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Great Britain & France declare war against Germany
Parisians had to carry gas masks with them at all times. Paris collection featured military-inspired fashions (and in the first war too). Not much couture was developed but a lot of women in shorts or flying skirts at this time. -
Nazi Occupation of Paris
Completely ruined French and international fashion systems. Many in the fashion industry and French allies had no contact for 4+ years. Leaving designers in the U.S. and Great Britain to fend for themselves in the fashion industry. Clothing and shoes were scarce in France during this time as the Germans requisitioned textiles, leather, fuel, and manpower. Regardless of this, fashion was still being produced in Paris. -
German Tanks Enter France
These German tanks made all Parisians flee to the south of France -
Nazi Forces Enter Paris
Nazi forces entered and took over Paris as the French gov. fled to Bordeaux and Vichy. Germans now occupied France, the south was controlled by Vichy regime, headed by Philippe Petain. -
Clothing Cards Issued
Each adult was given 100 points for very small purchases. Textiles were rationed and material given to fashion houses were limited -
Jews in France ordered to sew own clothes with a yellow star labeled "Juif"
French Philippe's wife was sent to a concentration camp after she changed seats to not sit next to Nazi Ambassadors' wife. -
The War Progressed
As the war continued, supplies were running out fast affected fashion garments. Germans took all fur for the winter and leather ran out making shoes made out of wooden soles. Handbags were replaced by shoulder bags. French fascists were uncertain about fashion. Women started to dress more authentic and traditional French garments were worn. Women were prevented from being "too thin" and not allowed to wear trousers. -
Germans Occupied France
As the Germans now had all of France - two years later the Liberation of Paris started and lasted for +4 years. Most Parisians were killed by Nazis, especially Jews (French & foreign) and they were fashion producers, seamstresses, manufacturers, and designers. -
French Vogue
French couldn't publish articles under German power, some did so illegally. With the end of the Nazi occupation in Paris, came New York's rise as the fashion capital of the world. -
A change in French fashion
After the liberation from Germany, many new fashion styles emerged, one being parachute sleeves. As long-waisted jackets over knee-length skirts and a hat appeared on a woman in London. Fashion designers started to be treated as businessmen and were given more respect. In 1946, the Opera house stated "wear evening clothes to the extent to which it may be possible" as materials were still short from the Nazi takeover. -
Christian Dior became known
As fashion was changing so were lead designers. Dior was new on the block and people were raving about the "New Look" he designed. Many say he saved the French fashion industry. -
Hurbert de Givenchy
He opened his couture house becoming famous for separate garments and for the dress he made for Audrey Hepburn. -
Fashion Industry Is Changing
Ready to wear garments and mass production was created. New French designers were rising and youthful styles were created. In 1966, Saint Laurent launched his own "ready to wear" garments and women's trouser-suits. -
Anti-fashion & The Battle of Versailles
The fashion industry was struggling as the anti-fashion, hippie movement increased. The oil crisis diminished consumerism and women wanted more freedom in life and way of dress. An American publicist hosted a fashion show to benefit the renovation for the palace of Versailles. The Americans "won" the Battle of Versailles due to the music, dancing, and African American fashion models. -
Paris is the capital of Fashion
Many believed Paris to be the heart of fashion and couture. Chanel invented new looks that shocked the public and Paris fashion continued to show luxury. More brands showcased couture looks. In 1987, people were questioning whether Paris was the only fashion capital as many countries rose to the competition. -
International Manufacturing
In the 1990s garments were starting to be manufactured in China, Asia, India, Cambodia and Bangladesh. Textiles and garments were made more efficiently and with advancing technology. In 2000, London, Paris, New York, Milan, and Tokyo were the fashion capitals of the world. The number of fashion designers skyrocketed. -
Dior's new collection and advancing tech cont.
In 1997 John Galliano showcased the first couture look for Dior since the launching of the New Look. With advancing technology became newer and easier ways to make garments, this affected the fashion industry as copyists were born. Fake "lookalike" garments were created at a much lower price. This was only the beginning fo this issue for the fashion industry. -
Modern Day Fashion
Today, there are so many fashion designers than there ever was. Competition is high and fashion standards are even higher. With advancing technology, there are crazy speeds to make garments, new ways to create looks, new fabrics, and so much more! It is all about the consumer and designers have to work with the everchanging society. -
Modern Day Fashion Cont.
Sustainability has become the #1 issue for the fashion industry as concerns from the world have been focused there. There are no current standards, but many argue there should be some set in place. Garment works are being exploited and endangered species are being hunted and killed. Not to mention, our planet and resources are diminishing with the new trends, designers, and society needs/wants emerging. Paris is still the capital of fashion due to the new styles and fashion history that follows.
