Fashion Icons of the 20th Century Through the Decades
The 20th century was a time of great change and innovation. Two World Wars, the Great Depression, the Cold War, and the invention of mass media such as television, the radio, and the internet were just a few of the many historical events and milestones that forever changed society, our way of life, and consequently our fashion. Join us as we explore the evolution of style through decades and the icons whose looks have left a lasting impact on the fashion industry.
1920s: Josephine Baker
Josephine Baker was an American-born French dancer and singer, a symbol of the Jazz Age, and a remarkable woman who was not only an energetic and charismatic entertainer but also a civil rights activist who advocated and fought for racial equality. Baker was an icon of the Roaring Twenties and a muse of the Art Deco style. Best known for her look consisting of nothing more than a pearl necklace and a skirt, made out of sixteen rubber bananas, her fashion choices took the world by storm.
1930s: Joan Crawford
An Oscar-winning actress, Joan Crawford was celebrated not only for her remarkable performances but also for her distinctive and influential style. Her style epitomized the glamour of Hollywood’s golden age, with her fashion choices reflecting a perfect fusion of sophistication and allure. Her signature strong eyebrows and bright eyes became iconic elements of her image, further enhancing her memorable look.
1940s: Ava Gardner
One of the most exquisite women in the history of Hollywood, Ava Gardner’s radiant smile and mesmerizing eyes made her a timeless symbol of allure. She was an icon of Hollywood’s Golden Age and her style can be best described as glamorous. Gardner was often seen wearing figure-hugging gowns that accentuated her waistline. She adored warm-toned colors that added an extra layer of sophistication, with royal blue reigning as her favorite.
1950s: Audrey Hepburn
Internationally renowned actress Audrey Hepburn transcended her role as one of the most elegant movie stars of her time. She was also a philanthropist who cared deeply about the children of the world and subsequently became a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, which she considered to be the greatest role of her life. Her influence, however, wasn’t confined to the realm of charity. To this day, she remains a fashion icon and her style continues to captivate and inspire women all over the world. We can best define her fashion as timeless, minimalist, sophisticated, and elegant with a preference for neutral colors like beige, white, and black. Her enduring elegance continues to enthuse, making her an eternal symbol of style and grace.
1960s: Jacqueline Kennedy
Also known as Jackie Kennedy, she was the First Lady of the United States of America from 1961 to 1963, known for her love of history and arts and her gracious personal style. Minimalistic garments in muted colors became a hallmark of Jackie’s fashion with Chanel suits and matching hats becoming her signature look. She was the epitome of beauty, elegance, and cultivated taste, and served as a symbol of strength for the grieving American nation after the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.
1970s: Pat Cleveland
Pat Cleveland is an American model who took the New York fashion world by storm and was one of the first African-American models to achieve international success, yet the editors of Vogue refused to put her on the cover because of the color of her skin. She moved to Paris and promised herself that she would not return to the States until a black model was on the cover of the prestigious Vogue Magazine. Cleveland has spent her career breaking boundaries in the predominantly white fashion industry and her style choices reflect her fearlessness. Her style can be best described as a vibrant mix of glamour, bohemian chic, and a touch of avant-garde flair.
1980s: Princess Diana
Princess Diana, also known as “the People’s Princess”, was a member of the British Royal family, beloved by the global public because of her humility and empathy. She helped raise awareness for taboo causes, including AIDS research, mental health, and domestic violence. She was an incredibly charitable person, also known for her impeccable fashion choices. From effortlessly chic street style to glamorous evening gowns, she always managed to look dashing and is therefore arguably one of the greatest fashion icons of all time.
Pictured above is Princess Diana’s so-called Revenge Dress, which she memorably wore the night her husband Prince Charles admitted to his affair.
1990s: Naomi Campbell
An icon of the 90s and undeniably one of the greatest supermodels of all time, Naomi Campbell helped redefine the fashion industry. She became one of the six models of her generation who were proclaimed supermodels and the only woman of color in the group. She was also the first black woman to appear on the covers of British Vogue, French Vogue, and Time Magazine. She fought against the racial prejudices of the fashion industry and paved the way for other women of color in the modeling world. Her style is bold, daring, and confident and during her 40-year-long career, she has undoubtedly broken several boundaries and established herself as a fashion icon.
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