1990's Fashion

The decade that gave rise to the supermodel, also gave way to a mishmash of trends. Coming off of the bold styles of the eighties, the nineties saw more paired down styles, but still incorporated an air of sophistication. From grunge to glam, leather to silk, this moment in fashion history continued to solidify self-expressionism at its finest. To examine this decade in detail would be to look at the designers, celebrities, and the onset of “street style” that helped to shape the style of the times.

Model Kate Moss helped to popularize the slip dress, which infused elegance with relatability. The collection includes two silk, shibori-dyed Myrna Vallejo slip-dress gowns, which bring simplicity and edginess together in one garment. The Geoffrey Beene houndstooth dress and Thierry Mugler pink snap dress lend credence to the carefree aura of the decade, while the Gianfranco Ferre crystal beaded dress and Reza Khan silk dress show the other end of the decade’s fashion spectrum through the elegant textiles used in each garment. The collection further reflects the style of the decade through Karl Lagerfeld’s viscose skirt set, Zandra Rhodes’ silk dress, and the Alexander McQueen for Target mini dress. The latter was one of the first high-end designer collaborations with a mid-range retail operation.

The collection also features accessories that were popular including a Judith Leiber lizard handbag and David Aaron chunky heels.

Maureen Callahan. 2014. Champagne Supernovas : Kate Moss, Marc Jacobs, Alexander McQueen, and the ’90s Renegades Who Remade Fashion. New York: Touchstone. http://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=nlebk&AN=1978701&site=ehost-live&scope=site.