I had the pleasure of reading Fashion, Fads and Fantasies by the late Lorraine Geiger the other day, and I found it so inspiring. This interesting fashion book  is an array of fashion sketches from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, as observed on the streets by Lorraine Geiger’s keen eye, and recorded in detail in her pocket sketchbook.

I found Fashion, Fads and Fantasies very interested. Fashion is like the air I breathe, so this is an amazing resource for me. I have always been eager to discover the fashion era before my time. So this book was what I needed to have a feel of the fashion era of 3 decades, through the eyes and sketches of Lorraine Geiger.

Here is how fashion looked like each decade.

The 70s

The economy, cultural and environmental issues changed the way people dressed in the 70s. There was a lot going on in the 70s. There was the energy crisis, economic recession, civil rights for minorities, women and gay issues, environmental concerns, the anti-war movement, terrorism and the introduction of new technologies. All these had a major impact in the fashion industry and what clothes people wore.

For example, the women’s movement promoted a more masculine look for women. So there were more women wearing pant suits, padded shoulders, and tailored coats.

A rise in unemployment and homelessness insulted in a rise in the thrift shop culture and streetwear fashion.

From Lorraine Geiger’s sketches in the book, I can see fur, hats/scarves were a thing in the 70s. Flayed jeans and Denim was also trendy back then. I am not a fan of the 70s fashion at all. It’s a little too full on for me but I bet it worked perfectly for the era.

The 80s

The issues of the 70’s and its fashion trends continued into the 80s. Having said that, the decade also had its own issues with the rapid technological advances.

Conservative dressing made a comeback in the 80s. Oversized coats were also in vogue. Japanese designers like Issey Miyake, were the fashion leaders in this era. Punk fashion was also big in London back in the 80s.

Carton characters like Mickey and Minnie Mouse made a huge comeback in the fashion industry in 1985.

I like the fashion trends of the 80s. As an 80s child, I was happy to see my decade was very stylish.

The 90s

In the 90s, there were issues of environmentalism, materialism, and anti-globalization. These issues led to the creation of individual fashion/personal style, with technology being a massive influence.

There was a lot of skin on show with bustier cropped tops. Showing off cleavage was in vogue, and underwear was worn as outerwear.

The platform chunky footwear were also trendy in the 90s. I remember having a couple of them. Looking back, I wonder how I managed to walk around in those things. They were so heavy. I can’t imagine having any of them on now. Comfort over trend here, thank you!

The 90s fashion is still fresh in mind, so I could relate with this section in in Fashion, Fads and Fantasies a lot. It was definitely a decade to remember.

Have you read Fashion, Fads and Fantasies? What do you think of the book? I think it is a great resource for fashion lovers. You can grab the book here.

*Collaborative post.