How Has the UK Fashion Scene Changed Over the Years?
Almost every year, a new fashion trend emerges, whether it is sparked by celebrity endorsement, a groundbreaking product, or a brand associated with a famous face; fashion changes almost every 12 months, if not sooner. In the UK, fashion has developed a lot over the years and makes up numerous parts of the British identity. Just as the UK online live casino game industry has evolved, so has the way people present themselves. So today, we will be taking a look at how the UK fashion scene has changed over the years.
The 1970s
The 1970s were a year when fashion in the UK shifted massively, with the punk era taking the country by storm. This was the first time in UK fashion that things went bold and eccentric, something that hadn’t been seen before in previous decades. The movement was part of a rebellious protest against social norms and partnered perfectly with some of the biggest musicians of the time. A lot of the punk genre featured crazy, spikey haircuts and plenty of leather accessories. These might include a leather jacket or even large leather boots. The mainly dark aesthetic is what made the style stand out, but the era didn’t last too long as the 80s came around.
The 1980s
As the 1980s rolled in, the idea of breaking the norm continued, with fashion trends spiraling into bright neon colours and extremely bold items. This even included the likes of shoulder pads, as well as the beginning of the denim takeover. Denim became hugely popular in the 80s, whether it was jeans, jackets, or even the introduction of the new jorts, a combination of jeans and shorts. Not only this, but the introduction of sportswear started taking over, whether this was jackets or trousers, and even brands like Nike, Adidas, and Reebok began to dominate the footwear scene. It was a pivotal moment in the history of UK fashion that changed the way Brits looked at clothes.
The 1990s
Moving into the 90s, the casual sportswear look that began gaining traction in the previous decade steamrolled on and began to dominate the market. One big part of the UK fashion scene stemmed from football, and this was the decade that shaped the terrace culture like we know it today. European football matches led to the introduction of casual clothing being noted prominently, with jeans maintaining their popularity, but the introduction of new brands from abroad began to make their debut. While the likes of Admiral, Umbro, and Fred Perry would still be a large part of the UK market, a new brand known as Stone Island would gain traction in the UK after the 1992 European Championships, when England supporters allegedly looted a Swedish clothes store, taking home the newly discovered Stone Island brand. It became part of everyday football culture in not just Europe but all across terraces a part of the UK, with Stone Island alternative brand CP Company gaining equally as much appreciation and attention.
The 2000s
Following European involvement in UK fashion in the 1990s, this trend expanded further, with even more European influences spreading overseas and reaching the shores of the UK. The Y2K look was introduced to the British market, with skinny jeans, bright colours, and even sparkly items becoming popular. Baggier clothes became much more popular than they were in the 1990s, with baggy jeans, jumpers, and t-shirts as must-haves. It was a time when fashion became even more experimental, with different shapes, colours, and even combinations of different styles. It was a time when technology began to creep into everyday life, with people attempting to incorporate it into their style. It was a big time for UK fashion that ultimately shaped the way we perceive fashion today.
The 2010s
The 2010s were heavily influenced by the introduction of social media, with people showcasing their style, sharing new ideas, and gaining inspiration from around the world. It was also a time for new brands to emerge at the back of the decade, introducing a new category of fashion known as the ‘hypebeast’. This was the time period when big logos and the names of clothes really mattered, with the likes of Supreme, Bape, Nike, Adidas, and Yeezy being a huge part of the industry. Being able to showcase outfits on social media made having certain brands not less of a luxury and more of a demand, with more expensive items gaining traction. Brands like Supreme and Off White didn’t just take over the fashion industry, but became a way of life for some people, with various products adopting designs and inspiration from the common features associated with the brands.
The Modern Day
In the modern day, comfort has become prioritised, with baggy clothes, joggers, and hoodies becoming the norm. Wearing big name brands has also become less of a trend, with people choosing smaller brands or even using the likes of Shien, Zara, and Asos dominating in sales. Streetwear is another area of popularity in modern UK fashion, with brands like Corteiz, Broken Planet, and WhiteFox taking over that scene. Sustainability and environmental concerns have also become a big factor, which may also dictate the way the UK fashion scene progresses in the future.
