The 80’s is making a come back….
LEOTARDS
Leotards have been around since the late 1800’s and was only confide to circus performers and dynamists. Over decades it remained as a piece only entertainers and dancers wore. Between the 70’s – 80’s, leotards began to shift from the performing arts to mainstream street wear. Before the disco movement, the leotard’s cut and design stayed the same but then the 70’s welcomed more colours and lustrous fabrics. Even though leotards have always been worn my athletes, dancers and performers it have been brought back to mainstream. Unlike the acid designs of the 70’s, today’s leotards are made from cotton blends which comfortable and functional. The characteristics of exposed legs and skin-tight look are the key element of the leotard, so designs are only but not exclusively limited to torso detailing. They have been made popular by celebrities such has Beyonce Knowles, Lady gaga and ‘Queen of Pop’ Madonna. Below is a brief timeline of the leotards influence.
LEOTARDS
Leotards have been around since the late 1800’s and was only confide to circus performers and dynamists. Over decades it remained as a piece only entertainers and dancers wore. Between the 70’s – 80’s, leotards began to shift from the performing arts to mainstream street wear. Before the disco movement, the leotard’s cut and design stayed the same but then the 70’s welcomed more colours and lustrous fabrics. Even though leotards have always been worn my athletes, dancers and performers it have been brought back to mainstream. Unlike the acid designs of the 70’s, today’s leotards are made from cotton blends which comfortable and functional. The characteristics of exposed legs and skin-tight look are the key element of the leotard, so designs are only but not exclusively limited to torso detailing. They have been made popular by celebrities such has Beyonce Knowles, Lady gaga and ‘Queen of Pop’ Madonna. Below is a brief timeline of the leotards influence.
SHOULDER DEFINITION
Shoulder definition was first introduced in the 1930’s by fashion designer Elsa Schiaparelli. Shoulder pads were first shaped as semi-circles or triangle and filled with wool, cotton or sawdust and were positioned at the top of the sleeve. During WWII women’s clothing were designed to achieve a solid look. Shoulder pads become bulkier and were positioned on top of the shoulder. Every garment in a woman’s wardrobe would have padding except for lingerie. After the war women desired a more feminine look with fuller skirts while shoulder pads became a minute detail. Shoulder pads featured in some Designers collection in the 70’s but did no reach mainstream recognition and was short lived. A decade later the structured shoulder founded its peak of positive consumerism. Sales were strongly assisted by the influential fashion of the hit show Dynasty which is watched worldwide. High shoulders became a statement and the phrase ‘power dressing’ was coined. The fashion movement could not make a successful transition it the 90’s and become unfavoured. Today, structured shoulders are back and can be seen worn by celebrities everywhere. Whether the detail is incorporated in dresses, jackets or knitwear, I think it’s just the beginning of a great trend.
