Fashion and politics have always grabbed me with great interest. You see in this election how Obama memorabilia sky rocketed into t-shirts, pins, stickers, hats, jackets, pants,…etc. While the opposing side got little to no recognition. The same could be thought of the fashion during the Vietnam era. The anti protest message of the “hippies” with their long hair and long flowing fashions. The fashions seemed to have an underlying sense of truly being free…freedom. Even going farther back to the “flappers” or hoodlums of the twenties. Fashion is truly a status symbol. Back in Egyptian times jewelry was prominent with men as well as women. Men wore make up and wigs just as the women. The more you had in Egyptian times, especially clothing meant more wealth. In the Greek and Roman times it was the way you wore your toga. Moving into the medieval time hygiene was not as important and religion reigned. Kings and Queens had many possessions including a variety of garments. None which were of “label” brands naturally all the people looked to the court to see what was up and coming in the latest fashions. People looked to one of the many King Louis to see his fashion, if he wore blue bows in his hair , they would, if his hair appeared matted , they would buy wigs to emulate that. But one he grew ill , the bows fell off, and an individualism occurred. People started wearing different colored bows as well as variations of different garments based on what you could afford. Coming into the twentieth century it seems all fashion was and ever will be is keeping up with the “jones’” . Who has what next hair fad, who bought the new shoes at Nordstrom, who has the shortest skirt , nicest earrings, its quite incredible. And then the mention of lines come in Dolce and Gabana, Versace…etc. The celebrity comes in effect of fashion from political back in the 18th century to watching fame become policy.Where does the fine line of evolving fashion, politically and historically come about? Where does the obsolete fashions end and the reborn ones begin?
