The great depression has been referred to alot in the fashion industry now that the economy is on the verge of sliding into a deeper recession..While the economical era back then was indeed depressing, the fashion trends were not.
Styles became softer, more feminine and hemlines dropped dramatically to reflect the somber mood. Dresses were nipped at the waistlines to create a slender hourglass silhouette yet managed to be very subtle and simple with muted hues. Because of its economy and elegance, the little black dress was popular throughout the Depression era, although longer.
Designers sobered up their collections, they became innovative and created their own images because they did not have the money to import popular parisian lace or italian leather.
While spring 09 trends had a general "what recession?" attitude this does not seem to be the case for Fall. The pre-fall 09 lines are out (ALREADY!) and black made a compelling comeback.. as Eric Wilson put it: "black is fashion’s version of comfort food".
“This whole crisis is like a big spring housecleaning — both moral and physical,” Karl Lagerfeld said, "There is no creative evolution if you don’t have dramatic moments like this. Bling is over. Red carpety covered with rhinestones is out. I call it ‘the new modesty.’ ”
The crisis has indeed taken its toll on the luxury industry in Paris and there is a new shift towards "moralising" luxury..
"The entire luxury industry should slash prices. We need a return to reason, decency, discretion, beauty and creativity — in other words, to true values.”
Maybe there is a silver lining after all..
- to creativity, modesty and decency xx
