The early 1990s saw a continuation of late 1980s fashion, primarily model as muse. Supermodels dominated the beginning of the decade, when popular beauties such as Christy Turlington, Cindy Crawford and Linda Evangelista ‘wouldn’t get out of bed for less then $10,000’ starred in every major fashion campaign. Kate Moss, who often modeled for Calvin Klein, sparked controversy in a silver sheer slip dress with her very thin, waif-like figure coining a new term; heroin chic. Iconic designer Gianni Versace celebrated the female figure in tube dresses featuring body conscious cuts, luxury fabrics, baroque prints often garishly loud and brilliant colors, even touches of bondage inspired metal hardware such as grommets and safety pins.
The Seattle Sound exploded into mainstream fashion. Embracing a darker tone in both sound and vision with muted palates and worn textiles, the so called Grunge style departed sharply from 1980s excess. Staples included: winter thermal underwear as pants, work wear and the ubiquitous flannel shirt. In Marc Jacobs (now infamous) 1993 ‘‘Grunge’‘ collection for Perry Ellis, which ultimately got him fired from the line, models paraded down the catwalk in ‘bed head’ and knit beanies, Doc Martin lace up boots, flannel, knitwear and granny dresses as seen donned by bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden and Alice in Chains.
Hip Hop fashion mirrored its music and lifestyle also. In it’s infancy in underground African American urban culture, Hip Hop eventually crossed barriers into popular culture full force during the decade. High energy self start up labels like Fubu and Karl Kani used high profile rap artists like Tupac Shakur and Shawn Combs as spokespersons and models for their lines. The clothing label Cross Colours bold in both color and social outreach, were emblazoned with messages of empowerment and community. Over sized everything was the signature silhouette, sports team paraphernalia, denim, bomber jackets, track suits, Timberland boots, ‘Bill Cosby’ Coogi sweaters, and overalls were the preferred look. Gender neutral silhouettes for both females and males were notable of the genre aesthetic.
Gothic fashion in the 1990s, fueled by films like the The Crow, The Craft and a burgeoning club scene, found an incredible popularity. Goths made their way into the mall and into the sunlight, via popular suburban boutiques like ‘Hot Topic’, wearing layers of black-on-black, ripped tights, crosses, fishnets, latex and fetish wear including PVC and vinyl clothing, crushed velvet and black lace. Even the goth scene itself splintered off into many interesting subsets: Cyber Goth, Lolita, Rockabilly, and Traditional. The wildly outrageous ‘club kid’ party scene, who exhibited hugely creative and sometimes grotesque outfits. Drugs and nightlife mingled into pop fashion culture, faux fur, neon colors and monster platforms further pushed the envelope of conservative fashion.
In the mid-1990s, British pop bands Blur, The Stone Roses and Oasis spearheaded a revival of 1960s and 1970s mod culture, including Mod haircuts, aviator sunglasses, stovepipe pants, green parkas Harrington jackets, velvet sport coats, striped shirts, polo shirts, and Union Jack motifs exemplified by the dress worn by band member Geri Halliwell from The Spice Girls.
Due to renewed renewed mainstream interest in swing and jump blues music, swing dancing films like Swingers Swing Kids and The Mambo Kings resulted in a huge 1940s style revival, and continued the cultural trend for entertainment to influence fashion. ‘Elaine Benes’ character on ‘Seinfeld’ sported 1940s inspired wide shouldered blazers and rayon floral dresses. Dapper menswear reminiscent of true vintage style, gabardine pleated trousers and rayon shirts enjoyed a moment in both the Swing/Rockabilly crowds and mainstream fashion.
Written by carlaandcarla
1990s Gianni Versaci silk shirt
Courtesy kevinandme
1990s Versace silk shirt
Courtesy of kevinandme
1994 Warner Bros sweater
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1990s sweater
Courtesy of misterbibs
1990s Stussy Baja sweatshirt
Courtesy of kevinandme
1990s Stussy sweatshirt
Courtesy of kevinandme
1990s Stussy tshirt
Courtesy of kevinandme
1990s flannel shirt
Courtesy of coolfoolvintage
1990s plaid flannel shirt
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1996 Chanel blouse
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier blouse
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1990s Moschino colorblock jacket
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s astrology blazer
Courtesy of bigyellowtaxivintage
1990s colorblock sweater
Courtesy of morningglorious
1990s graphic bustier top
Courtesy of vintagefanattic
1990s Ralph Lauren floral dress
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s floral rayon dress
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s Gap baby doll rayon dress
Courtesy of thevintagemerchant
1990s rayon prairie dress
Courtesy of fasteddiesretrorags
1990s Kathlin Argiro corset dress
Courtesy thespectrum
1990s slouchy caftan
Courtesy of morningglorious
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier dress
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1990s Dolce & Gabbana sequin dress
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1990s Yohji Yamamoto dress
Courtesy of catbooksvintage
1990s Yohji Yamamoto dress
Courtesy of catbooksvintage
1990s Trussardi Black Leather Dress
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1999 Chanel Evening Gown
Courtesy of poppysvinageclothing
1990s Christian Lacroix suit
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier ladies suit
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s rayon 2 piece suit
Courtesy of ranchqueenvintage
1990s animal print set
Courtesy of vintagerunway
1990s Valentino boutique pant suit
Courtesy of midge
1990s India print skirt
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s Betsey Johnson goth crinoline
Courtesy of carlaandcarla
1990s Versace jeans
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1990s swimsuit
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s Gianni Versace Medusa print swimsuit
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier bathing suit
Courtesy of northstarvintage
late 1990s Versace vest
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1991 hand painted leather jacket
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1990s jean jacket
Courtesy of morningglorious
early 1990s Banana Republic barn jacket
Courtesy of endlessalley
1990s Ralph Lauren jean jacket Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1990s Gianni Versace Jacket
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s Sonia Rykiel Reversible Coat
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s Adrienne Vittadini bag
Courtesy of bigyellowtaxi
1990s Paris Ipso Factor scuptural handbag
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1994 limited spring Chanel waterproof handbag
Courtesy of furwise
1990s Dooney & Bourke hand bag
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s Emmanuelle Khanh fish handbag
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s Stussy hat
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1990s Fresh Jive hat
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1990s feathered cloche
Courtesy of alleycatsvintage
1990s wide brim hat
Courtesy of alleycatsvintage
1990s Betsey Johnson belt
Courtesy of morningglorious
1991 Ralph Marlin necktie
Courtesy of bonniesvintageclothesline
1994 Ralph Marlin necktie
Courtesy of bonniesvintageclothesline
1990s Versace silk tie
Courtesy pinkyagogo
1990s Tommy Hilfiger tie
Courtesy of royalstarvintage
1990s Chanel tie
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s Nicole Miller ties
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s Looney Tunes silk tie
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s Adolfo silk tie
Courtesy of royalstarvintage
early 1990s Fluevog shoes
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s Fluevog shoes
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1990s Fluevog platforms
Courtesy of pinkyagogo
1990s Soda high heel sneakers
Courtesy of thespectrum
1993 Demonia gothic boots
Courtesy of thevintagemerchant
1990s leopard Doc Martens
Courtesy of cosmiccowgirl
1990s Doc Marten boots
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s Doc Marten Mary Janes
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s shoes
Courtesy of MorningGlorious
1990s Steve Madden sneakers
Courtesy of thespectrum
1990s Anne Michelle platforms
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage
1990s Laure Bassal shoes
Courtesy of bigyellowtaxivintage
1990s alligator heels
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s Charles Jourdan pumps
Courtesy of northstarvintage
1990s Bee Fly denim boots
Courtesy of thevintagemerchant
1990s Gucci boots
Courtesy of poppysvintageclothing
1990s Steve Madden pumps
Courtesy of thevintagemerchant
1990s Vivienne Westwood elevated shoes
Courtesy of thespectrum
1993 Laurel Burch brooch
Courtesy of PinkyAGoGo
1990s Christian Dior earrings
Courtesy of metroretrovintage
1990s novelty shoulder sweep earrings
Courtesy of metroretrovintage
1990s Jean Paul Gaultier sunglasses
Courtesy of themerchantsofvintage