For those of us who lived through the 1980's, we well remember the humongous shoulder pads, and extremely oversized jackets, coats, pants... just about everything we wore. I can remember thinking that I would never, ever wear a garment without shoulder pads. And then the day came that the shoulder pads were suddenly all gone, except for the tailored coat, or jacket that needs a bit of structure in the shoulders. I don't even remember the day that the shoulder pads actually went away. It's like one day I bought shoulder pads, and the next day, they were no longer on my shopping list.
I love garments from the 1940's. When I do my next Sewbussted's Closet Tour, I 'll share a few of my vintage pieces as they are really quite pretty. If we think back to that era and what was happening, it makes a lot of since that women would want the look of a power shoulder. Husbands went to war, and for the first time, women went to work in droves, and because of the type of work that so many did, they began to wear pants. When the war was over, and the men came home, it was expected that women would return to the home, and once again embrace their dresses. Think about the "New Look" that Christian Dior made so very popular, extremely cinched waists, and big flowing skirts. While women of that period did embrace the look, they never totally gave up their pants, or their jobs.
In light of the #MeToo movement, women are once again taking a stand. There is more equality in the workplace, and no one is saying that women must wear a dress, unless it's our choice. But, what is still so very prevalent are men who feel that they can manipulate women and abuse their positions. And sadly, it happens everywhere, from the boardroom to the church. I am extremely happy that women are saying, "enough!"
I recently came across an article about the new 2018 Fall Collection from Marc Jacobs. Shockingly, the coats are extremely oversized, and incorporate those huge shoulder pads. As I looked at the collection, I wondered, is this a reflection on women of this time, or just one person's thoughts on what we should be wearing, or how fashion should be evolving? Keep in mind that collections are decided 2 years in advance. I've attached the video below. The music is beautiful, although somewhat sad, which I find interesting. For those of us who have seen fashions come and go, you'll see very strong influences of Yves St. Laurence, Ungaro, Montana, and Mugler. It's just a little over 13 minutes long, and in my opinion, well worth watching. The clothes are much more interesting as they move rather than just still pictures.
I pulled out a few of the pieces that I especially liked. Take note that the knit and draped pieces have a Donna Karan feel to them, feminine, and beautifully draped. Power dressing that Donna Karan embraced.
So, I wonder, how you feel? Are you ready to embrace oversized garments and huge shoulder pads? Do you feel that in order for women to appear powerful that we need to drape our bodies in an overabundance of fabrics? Can we embrace our femininity and still be taken seriously?
What a topic to choose as I make my way back :)
Have a fabulous day!!!
Rhonda