6 Iconic designer ideas

Women’s fashion evolved slowly, but along the way, many key moments changed the modern perception. Bustle dresses were replaced by skirts, which became shorter over the years.

These looks were complemented by long gloves and umbrellas, and later women decided to wear shapeless dresses and look like teenage boys. But thanks to Hollywood stars, feminine silhouettes returned to fashion.

Photo: SPOTLIGHT / Chanel

Trouser suits and chain bags

Gabrielle Chanel gave girls worldwide the opportunity to wear trousers and free their hands from purses. Due to her love for simplicity and asceticism, she decided to replace the usual skirts with more comfortable and loose trousers. From that moment, they became an integral part of Chanel’s wardrobe and found their place in women’s fashion, just like quilted chain bags, which are iconic objects.

Photo: SPOTLIGHT / Chanel

Oversized clothing

When trousers became commonplace, Vivienne Westwood decided to sew clothes with seams on the outside and decorate them with pins and chains. Her collections featured the already beloved oversized style, which truly helped those who didn’t like wearing more form-fitting silhouettes.

Photo: SPOTLIGHT / Westwood

Feminine jacket

A thin waist, a full skirt, and small rounded shoulders – the New Look silhouette, which made Christian Dior a symbol of elegance and charm. The designer invited women to feel feminine and desirable again. He created a satin jacket for time spent in bars. Hence the name – the Bar jacket, which is the perfect symbol of the New Look style.

Photo: SPOTLIGHT / Dior

Leggings

Gianni Versace was the first to suggest women wear leggings outside the gym. Nowadays, they are styled with oversized jackets, hoodies, and T-shirts. But during Versace’s time, this was unimaginable. He was driven by “sensuality” and “frankness,” so his collections featured tight silhouettes, décolletés, and stiletto heels.

Photo: SPOTLIGHT / Versace

Lingerie style

Jean-Paul Gaultier ruled the trends of the 80s and 90s. The silk corset that Madonna wore for one of her performances caused a sensation in the fashion industry. This marked the beginning of the lingerie style cult: slip dresses, crop tops revealing the midriff and skirts. In 2024, the trend remains relevant.

Photo: SPOTLIGHT / Jean Paul Gaultier