16 Strange Fashion History Moments

Fashion is all about reflecting life and the mindset of a space, place and group of people. When looking at the history of fashion, we can see that there have been some many things that we today call crazy, but which were at their time either the norm or a strange novelty.

Therefore, we have put together a list of sixteen rather odd moments from fashion history:

 

The first ever fashion magazine was published in 1670 in France. The publication was called Le Mercure Galant and was destined to male readers. The first female fashion magazine appeared 16 years later.

In the 1670s, French king Louis XIV decreed that only people who were members of the royal court were allowed to wear red heels. These were a sign that the wearer was part of the upper class.

The first high heels were worn by both men and women. Men used to wear them as it allowed them for extra stability when riding horses by keeping their feet secure in stirrups. However, the trend had died out by 1740.

Untl the 17^th century, men did not use to wear underwear. Women started wearing underwear only around 1800.

Napoleon decided to have brass buttons sewn on the sleeves of his soldier’s uniforms. This way, they would not wipe their noses with their clothes.

 

 

During the 1860s, dresses could be so wide that women were at many times stuck in doorways.

In the late 1800s, people used to wear live chameleons as brooches. They would pin these to their lapels just like a regular broche.

The invention of the car has had a strong impact on women’s clothes, as, during the late 19^th century, dresses became shorter so that women could step into cars more easily and comfortably.

Until around 1910, it was common for little boys to wear dresses until they were around 5 or 6. This is why, in many period paintings that depict children, most people today only see girls.

Coco Chanel invented the concept of “costume jewelry”, by creating designs where she mixed real pearls and diamonds with fake ones. Chanel is also credited with the invention of the “little black dress”.

Until World War 2, it was not socially acceptable for women to wear shorts in public.

The concept of “Fashion Week”, which originated in the 1940s, was originally thought as trade-only event for sellers and buyers.

After it was invented and released by Louis Réard, the bikini was banned in countries such as Spain, Italy and Belgium.

The first ever designer Logo was Lacoste’s embroidered crocodile. The logo was created in 1933.

In South Korea, there was actually a fashion police that would go around measuring the length of the miniskirts worn by women. In case the fashion police decided the skirts were too short, women could be fined or even arrested.

Actress Julie Newmar, who was cast as the original Catwoman, holds the patent for “pantyhose with shaping band for cheeky derriere relief,” which is something similar to today’s Spanx. She received the patent in 1975.

 

 

We’re sure that today’s fashion world might seem rather strange to the people of tomorrow, but there is no way of predicting what will be considered strange. All the things in this list were the norm during their day, but, as times changed, so did clothing and fashion. Change is the only constant thing.

 

Fraquoh and Franchomme

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. We want to hear from you! Which one of these facts do you find most interesting? In which era would you like to travel for the clothes? What do you think is strange about today’s fashion world? Share your feedback, questions or thoughts in the comments below! For more articles on style, fashion tips and cultural insights, you can subscribe to Attire Club via e-mail or follow us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram!