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.
No I haven’t read the book. It sounds interesting. Will pop it on my list read list.
I was a teen of the 70″s. Everything was way OTT! The massive platforms were also in then. My mom used to say “you were all end up crippled with those platform’s” LOL
It was the age of crazy colour, big clothing etc. The one nice thing about it was it didn’t matter where you got your clothing then. My mom was a seamstress and used to run me up big skirts on a night. Named clothing hadn’t become the age then
I guess my love of colour has carried on from then 😊 👖👜👛👝👑👡💄💍👒🕶
Oh cool. It is a great book. Definitely worth reading.
It sounds amazing babe…can’t wait to read it now..
It is a good read.
Wow, this looks like a super cool book for fashion lovers, as fashion repeats itself, I see some trends from 70’s and 90’s coming back sometime or the other.
Yea so cool..
No I haven’t read the book, it’s sound really interesting. What I find is many trends I thought were 80s were actually early 90s. It’s amazing seeing how style has evolved over the years.
It is really interesting Sarah.
I was born right at the end of the 80’s so I missed the fashion, but its my favorite decade. some of the styles are so wacky adn eye catching, I love it!
Yea me too. Love the 80s fashion era.
I always loved fashion illustrations, and this – with it’s quirky and playful style – is no exception. My favourite era would be either the 50’s or the 80’s (Stranger Things anyone? 🙂 )
I like the 80s fashion era a lot too. Stranger Things is bringing it back!
Fashion has always intrigued me. I really get caught up looking at the fashion illustrations. I enjoy going even further back in time to look at fashion. I think the every day attire was far more interesting than it was in the 70’s, 80’s to today.
Yes I agree. Thanks for stopping by.
it’s always fun to look at the changes in fashion, esp the 80’s that was a crazy time for fashion I must say! I’ll have to look into this more, looks interesting ; )
Yes it is Eloise.
As a Fashion Design student, I hated the fashion history subject the most. I guess I ignored it a bit too but still managed to pass! Your post is bringing memories back. I haven’t read this book but it looks good. I might buy it too. Will check Amazon today 🙂
Thanks for sharing.
Do drop by my blog as well
Oh really? I love fashion history. I find it interesting. Thanks for reading.
Wow! This is such an amazing description of fashion eras. Personally, I liked 80s fashion and I strongly feel that it still haunts our fashion world. I need to read this book, it is so insightful. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for reading Mayuri.
It’s so true, fashion is one big industry where it changes all the time and it’s fun to try out new clothing that fits your style.
Yes it is Claire.
That is a great review of the book. I am surely going to check it out, curious about the 80’s fashion!
xx, Kusum
Thanks Kusum x
This sounds like such an interesting read to me. Fashion transitions so much from year to year. And what we think about fashion and looking back would be fun.
Yes it does.
This is so interesting to read, especially when you are 2000’s teenager. I can totally relate to it, looking at my mother’s pictures from 80’s.
Glad you found it interesting x
I should definitely read the book I’m going to find it and order it Because I’m running out of books and this one sounds interesting
You should read it Bee. It is great.
This is such an amazing book. Fashion is like a 360 cycle. It comes around.
It is Blair..
I love fashion and the way it moves forward always carrying something from the past too. I wish colours come back as I think we dress too plain nowadays 🙂
I love fashion too. Thanks for reading.
an informative article. however, certain trends are repeated once a few years. That’s the normal course of things. I like stylish style, never going to get old.
Thank you.
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Hi Stella, this is so informative. Thank you! ♥ Would like to check the book as well 🙂
xoxo,
BELLA
Glad you found it informative Bella. Thanks for reading.
very nice blog : epch
Thank you.
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