On Hegel's Flaws
Let’s pretend for a moment that Hegel is correct in his belief that there is an ideal beauty that should transcend time. Perhaps in his perfect world, women would still be adorned in fluid drapery in 2014. Disregarding that this would be functionally impractical for the modern woman, it would also be dull. While this is likely an exaggeration of Hegel’s ideas, this is essentially his argument. The word fashion is often preceded by the word “latest.” It has come to mean a fresh, current style that is admired and coveted. Baudelaire is correct in stating that modern clothing is a symbol of modern life. The power of modern dress lies within its ability to articulate an idea or memory of a specific time period. The idea that beauty can transform and adapt over time is inspiring and is what makes fashion persistently interesting, exciting, and relevant. It serves as the unmistakable signature of an era.
Trends from the 40s to the 90s.