Fashion Trends of the 1994 Fashion Show

During the 1994 fashion year, fashion for women was seen through a distinctly different lens compared to what they wear during the classic fashion years. Designers were more willing to pay attention to what ordinary women needed in order to feel more comfortable and stylish. For instance, it was common to see designers create gowns and separates that was versatile enough to be worn with a variety of different outfits, from formal to casual to semi-formal to relaxed. This versatility was further highlighted by the fact that many designers began to make their creations specifically for women who were now more interested in going to fashion shows in order to get the most out of their attire. By creating designs that were more ‘in form’ and designed for a more fluid fit, these women were able to better control the way that they looked and dressed.

There was also a shift in gender roles and responsibilities that took place during this time as well. Many female designers saw their opportunities to influence women in positive ways as opposed to simply creating clothing for them to wear. Some designers deliberately chose to design clothing and accessories for women who are more traditionally inclined, such as petite women, teen-aged women, and women with less than average heights. By choosing to design clothes and accessories that had a greater emphasis on fitting and design flexibility, these designers were able to better push the boundaries of fashion and style. These same designers also began to incorporate more ‘non-conventional’ elements into their clothing in order to include certain areas of the fashion industry that had previously been overlooked or forgotten about.

As one of the first female designers to break barriers and set new fashion trends, the mid-century fashion lady is responsible for some of the designs and styles that we still enjoy today. By creating clothing and accessories that were more ‘trendy’ and fashionable, they helped pave the way for women to feel more comfortable in their own skin. Although the trend may be outdated in some respects, its spirit lives on. Women of all ages and backgrounds are still actively involved in the process of choosing the best clothing and accessories for women.