User:BubbleRanger

Hollywood actresses affecting female clothing in the 20th century
By the beginning of the 20th century, Hollywood, California started to gain its popularity as the "film capitol" of the United States. At first, films were small and inexpensive but as people started to see motion picture as "an art form it quickly went up in cost and popularity." Throughout the century, many iconic actors seen all over America were idolized by their beauty and fashion. Many women wanted to be just like the female actors on the picture screen or Television and they did so with hairstyle, makeup, and clothing. Since movies have become popular, a large deal of fashion came from the actors in Hollywood in specific times throughout the century.

During the great depression, Hollywood was the focus for women’s fashion. After the roaring twenties people looked for a more conservative approach to meet the economy’s rough status. Such actors that influenced dress during this time were, Marlene Dietrich and Katherine Hepburn whom “made it acceptable for women to wear trousers in public,” which is a very big deal for women during this time. "Paris designers such as Schiaparelli and Lucien Lelong acknowledged the impact of film costumes on their work." During the postwar era, “Audrey Hepburn and Leslie Caron both often wore simple black sweaters, flat shoes and gold hoop earrings coupled with gamine cropped short haircuts.” This was during “The Golden Age” when television became extremely popular.This was a very different style during its time and has made a long lasting impression on clothing still today. “Prior to this look the pristine immaculate groomed look was associated with Grace Kelly,” another famous American actor.

In the 70’s, “Saturday Night Fever” starring John Travolta, Karen Lynn Gorney, and Barry Miller had an impact on late seventies fashion. The movie itself brought around the “disco look.” For women this meant wearing bell-bottom pants, mini skirts, and the more popular wrap-around dress. As the eighties began, the main influence for female clothing, pertaining to Hollywood is found with the soap opera “Dynasty.” “Dynasty” influenced women to wear lots of jewelry to show off your economic status with a sleek clean silhouette. Hairstyles were also a lot bigger during this time for women. This concept dropped soon as the 90’s began when minimalism was the main concept.

Even today, Hollywood affects how both men and women dress. It is important to remember that Television affects body image. Since most people on T.V. are good looking and tone most people will want to have the same body. Therefore, the ideal look would to have slender bodies as well and wearing the same clothes that they wear. Women’s fashion is and will always be affected by Hollywood as long as there is T.V. entertainment.