The Evolution of Sustainable Fashion

Introduction to Fashion

Fashion encompasses more than just clothing; it encapsulates how individuals dress and the prevailing styles and designs popular during a specific era. It is a dynamic art form that mirrors the lifestyle, values, attitudes, and beliefs of a given society. Unique societies, cultures, entities, and histories all contribute to diverse tastes in fashion. Fashion is also a powerful means of self-expression, enabling individuals to showcase their thoughts and lifestyle preferences while revealing their personality through their clothing choices.

The influence of fashion extends far beyond personal style; it also significantly impacts the global economy, culture, and technology. The fashion industry is a vast, multi-billion-dollar enterprise that employs millions of people across various sectors, including design, production, retail, and marketing.

Top universities of India continually adapt to evolving trends, technologies, and consumer preferences, ensuring that their programs, like BDes in fashion design, are tuned to be at par with the industry requirements.

Fashion isn't limited to clothing alone; it extends to jewellery, footwear, bags, accessories, interiors, language, and more. Over time, new trends emerge and reshape fashion, highlighting its dynamic nature as it responds to the ever-changing environment and generates fresh trends.

Fashion Evolution Over the Years

1900s Fashion: Women in the US embraced tight blouses and short hemlines, with a style that extended to their cycling attire. The use of corsets persisted from the 1800s, and men's fashion was closely tied to the time of day and activity, resulting in different coat choices for various occasions.

1910s Fashion: The 1910s saw the popularity of short hair and oversized-brimmed hats for women. Tight-fitting pants and coats became fashionable. Keds introduced shoes, and blazers became a casual men's suit option.

1920s Fashion: The 1920s witnessed a shift towards more casual attire for both men and women. Women embraced gingham, plaids, and solids in their casual dresses, and the iconic flapper style emerged. Men started to opt for sporting goods and wore sweaters instead of jackets.

1930s Fashion: The 1930s brought a natural hair movement for women. Floral prints gained popularity, and makeup and curling irons became daily essentials. Men continued to wear suits and top hats with cuffs on their pants.

1940s Fashion: During World War II, fashion faced restrictions, with cotton and rayon becoming prevalent in women's clothing. Men's fashion introduced more casual options, and waistcoats were no longer essential. Cuffed pants remained popular, and jackets became longer and baggier.

1950s Fashion: The 1950s embraced sportswear for women, allowing them to wear pants more frequently. Men's formal suits made way for casual wear.

1960s Fashion: The 1960s saw the rise of shift dresses, with women adopting tailored skirts and high heels. Pants for women became more widely accepted. The late 1960s and early 1970s witnessed the hippie movement and a transition to free-spirited fashion.

1970s Fashion: Hippy style persisted, and women's fashion included maxi skirts and dresses, as well as jewellery made of wood, stone, feathers, and beads. Men's fashion embraced bell-bottom pants, satin collared shirts, tie-dye, and plaid shirts.

1980s Fashion: The 1980s were heavily influenced by pop culture, with neon colours gaining popularity for women. Activewear and casual wear became in demand. Men adopted a relaxed style with suit jackets over T-shirts, and accessories like Polaroids, Ray-Bans, leather jackets, and jeans became iconic.

1990s Fashion: The 1990s saw a return to 1970s-inspired styles, with denim and flannel making a comeback. Athletes and supermodels took the spotlight, and the decade's fashion can evoke nostalgia for some.

Fashion in the 2000s: The 21st century brought fast fashion, online advertising, and bohemian clothing. Athleisure and street-style fashion gained prominence, with notable influences like Meghan Markle. Sustainability and diversity became essential in the fashion industry.

2010s Fashion: The 2010s relaxed fashion rules, featuring trends like jeggings and the influence of social media. Individualism and a focus on sustainability emerged. The decade's fashion history is evolving, marked by various brands and styles.

Current Trends: Current fashion trends draw inspiration from the 1980s, including oversized boyfriend jackets. Yellow and blue are projected to gain popularity and are expected to remain in vogue.

The Shift Towards Sustainable Fashion

Contemporary fashion trends not only reflect the past but also reflect a growing commitment to sustainability and responsible practices. Unlike earlier decades, today's fashion industry is witnessing a significant shift towards eco-consciousness. Brands and consumers alike are increasingly embracing sustainable materials, ethical production methods, and mindful consumption. This positive transformation in the industry represents a crucial step towards a more environmentally friendly and socially responsible fashion landscape.

Fashion Designing at Universities: How Are They Making A Difference

Fashion designing is not just about creating clothing; it's an art that combines creativity, technology, and business acumen. As fashion continues to evolve, universities are playing an increasingly vital role in shaping the industry and preparing the next generation of fashion designers. These institutions are making a difference by imparting essential knowledge, fostering innovation, and promoting sustainability in fashion.

One university that stands out in this endeavour is Manipal University Jaipur, with its pathbreaking BDes in Fashion Design program. It is one of the top design colleges in Jaipur.

Manipal University Jaipur's BDes in Fashion Design program is at the forefront of fashion education, embodying several key features that set it apart:

• Holistic Curriculum: The program offers a comprehensive curriculum that not only covers design principles and techniques but also delves into the business aspects of the fashion industry.
• Hands-On Experience: Manipal University Jaipur places a strong emphasis on practical experience. Students have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, participate in fashion shows, and intern with top fashion houses.
• Sustainability Focus: The fashion industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of sustainability. Manipal University Jaipur's program incorporates sustainable design principles, teaching students to create fashion that is environmentally and socially responsible.
• Industry Expertise: The faculty at Manipal University Jaipur includes seasoned professionals from the fashion industry who provide students with insights, mentorship, and connections within the field.
• State-of-the-Art Facilities: The university provides access to modern infrastructure and well-equipped fashion labs, allowing students to experiment with the latest technologies.
• Global Perspective: Manipal University Jaipur recognises that fashion is a global industry. The program fosters a global perspective, encouraging students to think beyond borders.
• Entrepreneurship Focus: With the rise of independent fashion designers and startups, the program at Manipal University Jaipur includes entrepreneurship training.

Synopsis

Fashion is more than just clothing; it's a reflection of society's values and attitudes. This blog takes you on a journey through the evolution of fashion from the 1900s to today, highlighting how it shapes our culture and economy. Discover the shift towards sustainable fashion and the role of universities like Manipal University Jaipur in shaping the next generation of fashion designers with a focus on creativity, technology, and sustainability.