The History of Modern Menswear

Summary

This video explores the evolution of men's fashion, tracing its roots from ancient civilizations like Egypt to the present day. The script highlights key moments in history, such as the opulence of the Georgian era, the rise of dandyism with Beau Brummell, the influence of designers like Jean-Paul Gaultier and Yohji Yamamoto, and the impact of streetwear in the 2000s. It emphasizes how menswear has shifted from function to fashion, shaped by cultural and social movements, and examines how designers have challenged traditional norms, leading to the diverse styles we see today.

Takeaways

• 👞 High heels, jewelry, nail polish, and the color pink were originally worn by men to signify power, status, and masculinity.
• 🏺 Ancient civilizations, such as Egypt, used clothing as a social signal, inspiring imitation among different social classes.
• 🎩 The 18th-century Georgian period popularized 'peacocking,' where men displayed wealth and status through opulent clothing.
• 🕴️ Beau Brummell in the early 1800s revolutionized menswear by emphasizing fit and minimalism, laying the foundation for modern British bespoke fashion.
• 👔 The 20th century saw menswear become more functional and minimalistic, influenced by industrialization, world wars, and the rise of mass-produced clothing.
• 🌈 Designers like Michael Fish, Jean-Paul Gaultier, Rei Kawakubo, and Yohji Yamamoto introduced gender-bending, avant-garde, and diverse representations in menswear.
• 💎 The 1990s and 2000s brought experimentation with luxury, streetwear, and youth culture, led by designers like Tom Ford, Helmut Lang, Raf Simons, and Rick Owens.
• 🧢 Streetwear emerged as a dominant trend in the 2010s, blending casual, youth-focused aesthetics with high fashion through collaborations and luxury reinterpretations.
• 🎤 Influential figures like Kanye West accelerated the adoption of luxury streetwear and helped launch future fashion leaders such as Virgil Abloh and Matthew Williams.
• 🌍 Modern menswear reflects globalization, inclusivity, and experimentation, bridging the gap between high fashion, streetwear, and accessible clothing for broader audiences.
• 📺 Fashion shows evolved into crucial cultural moments, using diverse models, bold presentations, and technological innovations to shape trends and inspire new styles.
• 🧵 Throughout history, menswear has oscillated between opulence, minimalism, and innovation, consistently reflecting societal changes and cultural influences.

Q & A

Why were high heels, jewelry, nail polish, and the color pink originally associated with men?

Historically, high heels, jewelry, nail polish, and the color pink were worn by men to signify power and social status. High heels made men appear taller, while jewelry represented wealth and power. Nail polish was used by Chinese royalty to show they were part of the ruling class, and pink was considered a masculine color as it was a derivative of red, associated with strength and fire.

How did the social role of clothing evolve in ancient societies like Egypt and Greece?

In ancient societies such as Egypt, clothing became a symbol of social status. The Pharaohs wore elaborate and intimidating outfits to assert power, and civilians would try to emulate these styles as a form of flattery. This hierarchy continued in societies like ancient Greece and Rome, where clothing was used to distinguish the elite from the lower classes.

What was the significance of Beau Brummell in 19th-century menswear?

Beau Brummell, a British figure, is considered the first Dandy and revolutionized menswear in the 1800s. He emphasized understated, well-fitted clothing over flamboyance. Brummell’s style, which represented a shift from the opulent French fashion of the time, became synonymous with British bespoke tailoring and minimalistic elegance.

What impact did the Industrial Revolution have on menswear?

The Industrial Revolution influenced menswear by shifting clothing styles towards more minimalistic and reserved looks, reflecting the growing importance of professionalism and social status. Men began dressing in a way that signaled respectability, such as wearing simpler, well-tailored suits to convey their positions in banking or respectable professions.

What role did the First and Second World Wars play in shaping men's fashion?

The First World War introduced practical military-inspired garments like trench coats and cargo pants, which influenced civilian fashion. During the Second World War, there was less demand for luxury tailoring, and mass production became the norm. This shift led to the creation of seasonal fashion trends marketed through magazines and advertising, changing the way consumers viewed clothing.

How did American fashion influence Europe in the 20th century?

American fashion played a key role in shaping European menswear in the 20th century. New York became the first city to host fashion weeks, and American collegiate styles influenced European fashion. Additionally, the United States' booming economy and mass production of clothing had a lasting impact on fashion trends across the Atlantic.

How did the 1960s contribute to gender-bending and experimentation in menswear?

In the 1960s, designers like Michael Fish began to challenge traditional masculinity in menswear, creating gender-bending clothing that blurred the lines between men's and women's fashion. Iconic musicians like David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix wore these experimental garments, which included more extravagant and lavish styles, inspired by earlier dandyism but with a modern twist.

What was the significance of Jean-Paul Gaultier's 1985 menswear show?

Jean-Paul Gaultier's Spring/Summer 1985 menswear show was groundbreaking for introducing androgyny in men's fashion. He was one of the first designers to showcase models of different genders, sizes, and skin tones. His collection was a bold statement against the conventional standards of the time and opened the door for more inclusive and diverse representations in fashion.

How did the rise of streetwear influence luxury fashion in the 2000s?

The rise of streetwear in the 2000s significantly influenced luxury fashion, as designers like Ricardo Tisci and Kanye West introduced streetwear elements into high-end collections. Tisci’s Fall/Winter 2011 Givenchy collection, featuring varsity jackets and high-top sneakers, was one of the first to blend luxury with streetwear, setting the stage for collaborations between luxury brands and streetwear labels like Louis Vuitton and Supreme.

What role did Virgil Abloh play in transforming luxury fashion?

Virgil Abloh, through his work with Kanye West and later as artistic director at Louis Vuitton, was instrumental in transforming luxury fashion. His Spring/Summer 2019 Louis Vuitton collection embraced diversity and inclusivity, symbolized by a rainbow runway. His work helped blur the lines between streetwear and high fashion, making luxury more accessible to a broader audience.