Fashion in the Cold War - 2197 Words

FASHION IN THE COLD WAR By Imani Jones Analyze how and why the cold war affected both sides’ fashion styles. The Cold War traumatically affected the lifestyles of the United States, Soviet Union, China and Europe; however, the Cold War played a major role in fashion history. Fashion during the Cold War gave people the opportunity to express themselves through what they wore. Due to Communism in other countries such as China, people were neither able to wear what they wanted nor embrace themselves in the latest fashion trend of that season or even year. In a Communist world, people lived in very basic conditions and cared little about luxuries such as fashion (Fashion Encyclopedia, 2012). Those West of the iron curtain,†¦show more content†¦This was a dominant look for women in the late 1940’s and well throughout the 1950’s. Those of both high and middle class were usually the ones to wear fashions as such as these especially since it was now affordable for people of the growing middle class. The 1950s, often categorized as a time of great conformity was when everybody wanted to act, think and dress the same. Seen in Image 3 in the index, conformity was an action from people in correspondence with socially accepted standards, conventions, rules, or laws. The men and women, who had broken from social norms in regards to gender roles during World War II, were now following back into more traditional roles such as†¦. (3-5) According to Sun Xi, in Communist China, the clothing of the 1950s symbolized political and friendly ties between them and Soviet Union. The Lenin coat, tan khaki material, double-breasted with a belt attached, seen in Image 4 in the index, was highly popular around this time in China and had come to China from Russia. It was suitable for both sexes, but more flattering to feminine curves and was considered high revolutionary fashion. Simplicity and thrift were the main objectives in Chinese fashion of the 1950s. Clothing in the colors of green, blue, black, or grey, preferably patched were the most admired. The Lenin coat reflected what they truly believed in which was, labor is beautiful. In the Communistic mind, labor is beautiful would be explained asShow MoreRelatedThe Cold War On American Culture Essay1489 Words   |  6 PagesThe Cold War was a pivotal time in American history. To a greater degree than most other wars, the Cold War affected American society in unfathomable a nd profound ways. More specifically, American culture transformed immensely during this time. From a constant state of anxiety, to changes in media and the arts, to McCarthyism; the Cold War fervently affected the quality of life, personal expression, and American politics. 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