Through the years, fashion has changed drastically. From the days of Grecian togas to today’s leggings and joggers, certain iconic looks have shown up time and again, highlighting fashion history from the past as well as the present. From Audrey Hepburn’s classic little black dress in Breakfast at Tiffany’s to Rihanna’s now-iconic yellow hooded crop top at the 2014 CFDA Awards, iconic fashion moments are timeless. Join us as we dive into some of the biggest, most memorable fashion looks–both old and new–throughout the ages.

1. Timeless Iconic Fashion: A Historical Overview

Fashion often says more about its time period than one would think. From the days of Ancient Rome, where togas and stolas were the style, to the ‘90s influences of chokers and over-bleached denim, fashion has served as an interesting way to get a peak into world history. Here’s a thematic overview of some important “timeless” fashion icons throughout history.

Powerful Regal Elements
The “timeless” fashion classic of powerful elements throughout the ages could be seen from how monarchical fashions shaped the way we dress. From the Ancient Chinese imperial court to the golden Renaissance-style gowns, the emphasis was placed on elegance with embroidery, velvets and jewelry-like details.

Sporty Utility Wear
In contrast, the utilitarian element of fashion plays a huge part in the classics we see today. The puffer, the bomber, the pullovers and the anoraks come from a focus on functionality, which was first picked up during the military years and gradually trickled down into civilian clothes.

• The trench coat was originally created for British army officers in the 1850s.
• Denim was used by Gold Rush miners and via the Americans making it into a leisure wear.
• The bomber jacket was designed for the pilots of the US Air Force.

Evening Glamour
Tailored suits and evening gowns make up the party-ready look that has, for centuries, been the mark of a luxury lifestyle. Velvet, silk, and satin have always been amongst the most coveted mode of getting ready for an event. This is not something that has changed in our age either; from vintage style reworked to fit modern sensibilities, or the latest loose gown designs, evening glamour remains timeless.

2. From Coco Chanel to Rihanna: A Cross-Generational Look

The French fashion designer Coco Chanel was an early maverick in modern style. Witnessing female liberation after WWI, Chanel recognized that women wanted to look and feel beautiful on their own terms. She crafted garments that mirrored the multiple ways a woman could express her independence. Rebelling against the traditional corset and garters, Chanel created comfortable, clean-lined designs defined by structured tailoring, luxurious fabrics, and colorful couture.

Fast forward to the world’s current fashion trendsetter, Rihanna. Embrace Rebellion is the name of her game, where traditional silhouettes combine with new textures and tailoring. From her landmark Fenty lingerie line, to her new Fenty Skin line, she is recalibrating the beauty and fashion industries to celebrate female empowerment across the generations.

Bringing together Chanel and Rihanna‘s distinct styles, we see how both fashion visionaries debuted pieces to the world that reverberate a strong message of female empowerment. The common thread between the two is their rejection of limitations that were once placed upon women and their determination to create an identity for themselves that is as beautiful as it is statement-making. Some common techniques that Chanel and Rihanna both use to do this include:

• Innovative Materials – Both Chanel and Rihanna use strategic textiles to redefine fashion conventions and capture the attention of their audience.
• Unconventional Silhouettes – Coco Chanel and Rihanna have both been instrumental in overhauling fashion restrictions with imaginative and dramatic silhouettes.
• Accessible Aesthetics – Chanel and Rihanna are masters at using fashion to inspire dialogue and make their looks accessible to all.

The cross-generational styles of Coco Chanel and Rihanna show that feminine expression and power can be communicated worldwide – no matter when or where they are created. Both fashion mavericks have made it possible for women to look and feel their best, setting the course for a revolution in style.

3. Noteworthy Red Carpet Appearances: An Analysis

Every year, the stars of Hollywood hit the red carpet for grand award shows all across the nation. From the Oscars to People’s Choice Awards, these extravagant events are filled with iconic moments, from surprise wins to breathtaking dresses. What makes these red carpet moments noteworthy? Let’s take a look.

Erin Brockovich is a prime example of a noteworthy red carpet moment. In 2001, Patsy Clarence, who portrayed Brockovich in the movie, wore a stunning pink ball gown to the Academy Awards. It was a statement-making moment, not only for her fashion, but for voices of the underdog being highlighted at a high-profile event.

Billy Porter is another star whose appearance at the Oscars shined a light on personal expression. Porter donned a velvet tuxedo gown to the 2019 ceremony, breaking gender norms and disrupting traditional dress codes for the event. His look sent the message that he is free to look however he wants.

But the importance of a fashion statement goes beyond why someone is wearing a particular outfit. For example, Jane Krakowski wore a dress with “Time’s Up X2” written on the side. This powerful statement stood for the safety of women and all people in the workplace.

The goal of legendary looks on the red carpet is to make a statement to the world. Whether it’s to celebrate individual expression, highlight issues, or simply make a stunning look, the possibilities are endless when it comes to noteworthy red carpet appearances.

4. Throwback to Classic Styles: Trendsetters of the Years Gone By

Fashion is cyclical. What is popular today has been popular countless times before. Looking through the annals of time, we can see that many of today’s popular trends have been around since years gone by. Throwback to classic styles and appreciate the inspirational trendsetters of the years gone by!

• The Roaring Twenties: The 1920s were a time of flappers and gangsters alike! Our modern take on the classic look includes sequin-studded fringe dresses and cloche hats. Sweetheart dresses with dropped waists, strings of pearls and vibrant art deco jewelry made a statement in the era of prohibition.
• The Mod Aesthetics: A reflection of the postwar shift in attitude, the Mod look had a very distinct style. The clothing was sharply tailored, often featuring colors like black, brown, blue and grey and often paired with bold accessories like brightly color berets or pearls. Mary Quant’s influence on the look is still seen today.
• The Hippie Movement: Marked by a focus on peaceful living and the natural world, the Hippie movement popularized styles like paisley, bell-bottom jeans, peasant blouses and floppy hats. Popularized by Bob Dylan and the Beach Boys, denim jackets and t-shirts with music lyrics became iconic for hippies in the 60s and 70s. Henley tops, bohemian skirts and high-waisted jeans were also en vogue.

Each of these iconic styles all had strong influences on fashion, from the past up to the present. Whatever your style, there’s something from the past eras that can add a flair to your wardrobe. It’s not hard to throwback to classic styles, just pay homage to the trendsetters of the years gone by!

5. Innovating the Future of Fashion: An Insider Perspective

The fashion industry is ever expanding and changing, and as technology advances, so do the possibilities of what is possible in the fashion world. From the digitalization of garments and materials to the use of artificial intelligence, fashion now has the opportunity to revolutionize both how garments look and feel, and how they’re produced. As fashion innovators, it is important to understand the changes and advancements happening in our industry and how they can shape the future of fashion.

• Exploring Digital Technologies – Digital technologies have brought new opportunities to explore with fashion, such as the digitalization of garments and the use of virtual materials, 3D prototyping, and more. These technologies are enabling fashion designers to create garments that are truly future-facing, allowing them to push the boundaries of aesthetics and explore new structures in fashion.
• Leveraging Sustainable Technologies – The use of sustainable materials, such as upcycled fabric and recycled plastic, is becoming more popular in fashion as companies look to reduce their carbon footprint and become more environmentally friendly. Additionally, advancements in manufacturing techniques are allowing for the production of garments that are both aesthetically appealing and sustainable.
• Employing Smart Technologies – Smart technology is playing an increasingly important role in the fashion industry, as garments are now able to monitor and analyze their environment in real-time. Smart fabrics are also enabling wearers to customize their look and feel as the fabrics are designed to respond and react to their individual needs.
• Making AI Part of Design Process – Artificial Intelligence (AI) is also becoming an integral part of the fashion industry, as systems are now able to anticipate consumer demand and recommend personalization of garments, as well as help with the overall design process. AI is allowing fashion designers to quickly bring their visions to life, while also making sure they are focusing on the key trends in fashion.

As fashion professionals, it is essential to stay up-to-date on the latest industry advancements. By leveraging technological advancements and being open to the possibilities these technologies can bring, the fashion world has the potential to set itself apart from the rest and innovate for the future of fashion.

From the cut of a pair of trousers to the tone of a color palette, fashion is more than just a fleeting trend, but a reflection of the current social climate. We’ve seen iconic fashion moments come and go, inspiring our wardrobes and providing memories that have lasted for years. It’s a time-honored ritual that we can both remember with fondness and anticipate with excitement.