Parisian Fashion

French fashion has been a staple in the world for the past three hundred years. ^[1] Since King Louis XIV reign in the seventeenth century, French fashion has become constant in the world due to the fact that French goods became prominent in style and taste. ^[2] French fashion stepped into the world's eye due to the creation of haute couture. ^[3] Haute couture became synonymous with Parisian fashion while French culture prides haute couture as art. ^[4] This was furthered through the development of high end fashion brands such as Chanel, Hermes, and Balenciaga. ^[5] Coco Chanel created a new style that was widely viewed as groundbreaking, due in part to the fact that it shifted gender roles. ^[6] Just as the world was shifting into a new period of women’s rights, their clothing choices were also evolving. ^[6]

The first landmark change in Parisian fashion happened post World War One. ^[7]After World War one as gender roles began shifting so did Parisian and French fashion. This was shown by the change in how dresses were made and the cut of the dress. ^[6] For instance, this was shown through hemlines being dropped and dresses being made to be more loosely. The fashion of this era lasted up until the beginning of World War Two. ^[8] As the country became more restricted due to the Second World War, so did the fashion during this era. ^[9]The previous decade favored long un restricted dress, this era’s clothing became more structured and restricted. ^[9] Dresses were changed to two piece outfits with a tight fitting coat and long skirt. ^[10] Skirts and dresses previously had the opportunity to move freely, now clothing was synched and confining. ^[10] After World War Two ended the idea of haute couture began to take off in society all around the world. ^[11] This was due in part to the fact that French designers clothing was seen by many across the world through French designers outfitting movie stars from the 1950’s and on. ^[12] For instance Christian Dior became a household name due to the fact that he provided Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly to name a few, with clothing for their film roles and red carpet appearances. ^[13]  With these few designers making a name for themselves around the world, haute couture began to infiltrate all areas of the world. ^[14]

As society and laws fluctuate, so do the designs and making of the clothes in fashion. In the late 1970’s French fashion began to become more moveable and colorful. ^[15] Designers began to take inspiration from surrounding countries, such as Spain. ^[15] This was in part due to the fact that designers were now relocating to Paris. ^[16] Because of the influx of new designers and designs the fashion began to shift towards a more worldwide view, rather than just particularly Parisian; however, there was always a Parisian flair in any design. ^[17] While Paris was always a fashion capitol, it wasn’t until the late twentieth century that France capitalized off this tourist attraction. ^[4]

During the late twentieth century as tourism began to boom around France in particularly Paris. ^[12] The Parisian government saw this and started to create opportunities and adventures for those who were particularly fashion minded. ^[4] In order to attract more visitors, the fashion sector of Paris created various guidebooks for visitors based on their shopping preferences. ^[4] For instance, there are guidebooks for Haute Couture, Vintage, as well as budget shopping. Not only does Parisian fashion impact the French economy, it also impacts other countries economies. ^[3]

Just as differing parts of the world have been impacted by Parisian fashion, so have the countries surrounding and near France. ^[18] There has been such an importance of French fashion in countries' that designers have been sent to live and study Parisian fashion. Upon return to their home country the designer must design products that are inspired by the fashion, but fit under the cultural or societal standards. ^[19] Two of the countries that have participated in this cultural exchange are Belgium and the Netherlands. ^[20] Belgian fashion has been influenced by French and Parisian fashion, where as the Netherland designers were inspired by the fashion, however due to societal expectations had to mute the colors and tone down aspects of their creativity. ^[20]

For three hundred years Parisian fashion has been an integral part of the fashion world and society in general. Just as fashion does ebbs and flows, so did the designs of Paris, however the constant factor is that Parisian fashion is a staple throughout the ever changing world.