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“100 years of Fashion
(1920s-2020s)
"A century of fashion told through the art of illustration"
1920 - The Roaring Twenties!
In the 1920s, "The Roaring Twenties", a deep desire for lightness and emancipation is expressed after the traumas of the war. People want to live, dance, create — and this is reflected in fashion. The modern woman takes flight: she cuts her hair, goes out alone, smokes in public. Her style becomes the mirror of this new independence.
One of the greatest fashion designers of this period (and in the history of fashion) is Coco Chanel.
She disrupts the codes by abolishing the corset, shortening skirts, introducing more flexible and comfortable materials, while maintaining a simple and modern elegance. Her famous little black dress, simple and revolutionary, becomes an icon.
The silhouette becomes androgynous, free from constraints, yet imbued with sophistication. Pearls, fringes, feathers, and embroidery sparkle under the cabaret lights.
It is a decade where fashion becomes a manifesto of freedom.
1930 - Elegance in Times of Crisis
The 1930s, marked by the global economic crisis, did not extinguish the desire for elegance.
Fashion returned to long dresses, form-fitting cuts, subtly highlighting the feminine silhouette.
Fox furs, flashy jewelry, sophisticated hats, and pronounced necklines became symbols of refinement.
It was also a decade of innovation.
One of the major upheavals: the emergence of trousers for women, previously reserved for men. A bold piece, gradually becoming synonymous with independence.
At this time, the great Elsa Schiaparelli was at the height of her fame. Avant-garde, she rivaled Chanel, blending art and fashion, collaborating with surrealist artists like Dalí, and pushing the boundaries of clothing by making it a work of art in its own right.
1940 - From Constraint to Creation
The fashion of the 1940s reflects a world at war, in reconstruction, in transition. During the first half of the decade, clothing is marked by sobriety and practicality. Materials are rationed, cuts become straight, rigid, almost military. Women, involved in the war effort, adopt functional outfits, often inspired by men's wardrobe: suits, structured jackets, trousers.
But this context does not stifle the desire for coquetry. It is also the golden age of pin-ups, true icons of idealized femininity. Their curvy silhouettes, pencil skirts, corsets, and red lips embody a glamorous fantasy, both joyful and comforting.
In 1947, the return to peace inspires a stylistic revolution: Christian Dior unveils his famous New Look. Slim waist, full skirts, soft shoulders: he restores women's curves and celebrates grace, abundance, and luxury once again. A way to turn the page and enter a new era of refinement.
1950 - Glamour and Haute Couture
In this post-war period, we witness a triumphant return of elegance, glamour, and everything that celebrates femininity.
Silhouettes become sculptural: full skirts, wasp waists, highlighted hips. Lingerie evolves considerably with conical and padded bras, emphasizing shapes and reshaping the bust according to Hollywood standards.
At the heart of this decade, one name stands out with force: Cristóbal Balenciaga.
Master of tailoring, he reinvents volumes and plays with proportions with architectural precision. His creations, both majestic and refined, reflect a demanding vision of fashion, between rigor and grace.
Women draw inspiration from stars like Grace Kelly, Audrey Hepburn, Sophia Loren or Marilyn Monroe, icons of sophisticated femininity, between softness and confidence.
1960 - The Freedom of Style
The 1960s mark a radical break with previous decades: it is the era of youth, revolt, and stylistic experimentation.
Fashion becomes a playground, a means of asserting one's individuality and freedom. The most emblematic movement of this decade is undoubtedly that of the hippies, a symbol of freedom, peace, and rebellion against society.
The invention that marked the history of fashion in the 1960s is the miniskirt.
Created by British designer Mary Quant, it becomes a true fashion revolution, championed by the young model Twiggy.
Short, daring, liberating, it embodies carefreeness, energy, and female emancipation of that era.
The 1960s celebrate a young, playful, and effervescent fashion, where each outfit becomes a manifesto, and where the freedom to create finally becomes a right.
1970 - Glamour&Disco
The DISCO GLAMOUR look embodies an explosion of style, lights, and freedom. It’s a decade where fashion and music merged, creating a cultural revolution. Sequins, bold cuts, and sensual silhouettes took over the dance floors, with icons like Bianca Jagger or the movie Saturday Night Fever setting the tone. The legendary New York club Studio 54 became the symbol of this vibrant era.
But this decade wasn’t just about sparkle and euphoria.
In 1971, Yves Saint Laurent shocked the fashion world with what became known as the “Scandal Collection.” Inspired by the 1940s and the Occupation era, it featured short skirts, turbans, furs, stiletto heels, and bold makeup. The collection was harshly criticized, accused of poor taste.
Yet it marked a turning point: Saint Laurent embraced provocation and the reappropriation of fashion codes, using scandal as a creative tool. This bold move redefined the designer not just as a couturier, but as a true artist.
1980 - The Excess of Style
The fashion of the 80s is heavily influenced by music, with icons like David Bowie, Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and the Sex Pistols, who helped define the major trends of the era, ranging from glamour to punk, from electronic to rock. The concept of "look" takes on a new and complex dimension: it becomes a means of expressing a vision of sexuality and identity, playing with the codes of ambiguity.
Large shoulder pads, lycra bodysuits, voluminous hair, and bold makeup become essential elements of a game of appearances where authenticity often takes a back seat. Among the designers who mark this era, Jean-Paul Gaultier stands out for his boldness. He deconstructs genres and plays with ambiguity, celebrating the blend between masculine and feminine. His creations, such as the famous corset worn by Madonna, symbolize a subversive approach to fashion and sexuality, while remaining resolutely avant-garde and popular.
1990 - The Return to Simplicity
One of the most striking features of 90s fashion is undoubtedly the return to simplicity, enriched by a mix of diverse influences, ranging from grunge, pop, rap, and more.
Among the most notable trends of this era is the preppy style, directly inspired by the culture of American universities and colleges. This look is characterized by clothing that is both elegant and casual: striped or checkered shirts, wool sweaters, collegiate-style skirts and pants, all complemented by accessories like ties, loafers, and aviator glasses.
A designer who perfectly embodies this trend is Ralph Lauren. His preppy style, rooted in a vision of casual elegance, blends the spirit of private schools with the simplicity of everyday clothing. Thanks to him, the preppy look becomes a true fashion phenomenon, both classic and decidedly modern.
2000 - Nostalgia and Future
The early 2000s marked a period of intense transition, between the excitement of the new millennium and the explosion of digital culture. Fashion reflected this tension by adopting a decidedly futuristic, pop, and provocative style: this is the Y2K era. Y2K (short for "Year 2000") refers to an aesthetic that emerged at the turn of the 1990s and 2000s, influenced by the early days of the internet, pop music, science fiction films, and a very fantasized vision of the future. It’s a style that evokes both technological innovation and a certain teenage carefreeness. Distinctive features: low-rise jeans, crop tops, cargo pants, rhinestones, shiny fabrics (vinyl, satin, lurex), metallic or neon colors, miniature bags, tinted sunglasses, visible logos… Everything is designed to shine, seduce, and grab attention. Versace, the iconic house of Italian glamour, played a key role in this decade. Versace’s runway shows perfectly embodied the Y2K spirit: exuberant, powerful, hyper-feminine. The pieces became pop culture icons, worn by stars like Beyoncé and Britney Spears.
2010 - Comfort becomes Trendy
In an era dominated by technology, social media, and the growing influence of celebrities and influencers, a new aesthetic emerges: Athleisure.
This hybrid style, blending sportswear and streetwear, introduces a new urban silhouette. Joggers, leggings, hoodies, and sneakers become part of everyday outfits—worn far beyond the gym. People wear them to go out, shop, travel, or even to work. Athleisure becomes more than just a trend: it's a lifestyle, at the intersection of comfort, functionality, and a certain chic minimalism.
Among the standout designers of this decade, Virgil Abloh stands out as a revolutionary figure. Through his brand Off-White, he redefines the boundaries between streetwear and luxury. With iconic creations like logo hoodies, designer sneakers, and high-profile collaborations with brands like Nike, he injects fresh energy into contemporary fashion. Virgil Abloh has become a symbol of the influence of social media and pop culture in the fashion world.
2020 - The Classic, revisited
Fashion in the 2020s saw a return to classic trends, but with a modern twist, blending innovation and timeless elegance. Suit sets featuring blazers and trousers made a strong comeback, reinterpreted with contemporary cuts and more sustainable materials. Among the major evolutions: the return of the oversized blazer, high-waisted and wide-leg trousers, cigarette or palazzo cuts, and a focus on sustainability and innovative fabrics.
During this decade, the house of Louis Vuitton, under the direction of Nicolas Ghesquière, continued to honor its heritage while bringing in a creative and forward-thinking spirit. His work has blended the brand’s traditional craftsmanship with modern and technological touches, resulting in collections that balance pragmatism and sophistication. Ghesquière’s designs, especially structured jackets and iconic handbags, have helped define a new era in fashion, combining classic elegance with stylistic innovation.