Eras I like

I have been looking at ALOT of pictures of clothing throughout the era's and come to conclusion. There are two times of history that I am really intrigued with the 1920's and the 1950's. Both times just happen to be close to war times, women gaining independence all around.

Now, I am not a feminist , but I do support an independent woman, a proud and dominant creature. I admire these characteristics because in the Victorian period ( especially pre 1870) a woman was a typical being that should stay home, sew, cook and raise the family. She had little or no say/influence on either her own or her families decisions while the man took the role of having a career, social status, and being the solitary item to provide for the family. She was living in her husbands shadow. So, the idea of woman gaining independence is gratifying for me. Ultimately women were gaining independence and taking more on of the "man" role such as having a career, attending social gatherings, dressing in looser , more masculine clothing.... acheiving balance physically and psychologically with men.

My other interest was of the fashion aspect. During the WW1, fashion was put on hold, as so was trade with Paris -the big fashion provider! So uniforms were a big influence as that was a main staple of clothing for the times. Easy fitted silhouettes, somewhat masculine, in terms of structure being loose and not tight and lifting like the Victorian corsette.

I think both of these issues pertain to my designs because I want to dress a woman who holds or wants to hold a strong status socially. Silhouettes are slim fitted (50's alternative dress), they have a feeling of masculinity (20's unisex) combined with a sincere touch of femininity by keeping a focus on collars, waist and breast. Done so in a minimalistic fashion with small unfrivelous details.