Fashion History Quiz: How Fierce Is Your Fashion Knowledge?

Zoot

In the 1940s, there were many disturbances in Los Angeles over "zoot suits" being worn in African-American, Mexican American, Italian American, and Filipino American communities. This style features a high waist, wide leg, tight cuffs, pegged trousers, and a long coat with wide lapels and wide padded shoulders.

1960s

In 1961, Yves Saint Laurent founded his eponymous fashion label and began rapidly designing ready-to-wear for modern youth. His unusual garments revolutionized the world of fashion during the time, bringing a futuristic theme to the industry.

Christian Dior

French fashion designer Christian Dior was the first to design the pencil skirt, and he released the innovative style as part of his 1954 Autumn/Winter collection. Dior was also behind the A-line skirt, which was an essential component of his post-WWII “New Look”.

Adidas

In 1986, Run DMC released the hit single "My Adidas", which gave the legendary sports brand huge popularity. The group was often seen representing the label with their clothing choices in music videos and photo shoots.

Charles Frederick Worth

Also known as the father of haute couture, Charles Frederick Worth is widely considered the first fashion designer in the world and also the first to have his label sewn into the garments he created. He also founded the House of Worth, one of the first fashion houses of the 19th and early 20th centuries.

Harper's Bazaar

As stated on the cover of its very first issue, <i>Harper's Bazaar</i> is "a repository of fashion, pleasure, and instruction”. The groundbreaking release was one of the oldest American fashion magazines, which paved the way for future growth in the industry.

Gucci

While the Italian fashion house Gucci was originally founded in 1921 by Guccio Gucci, it underwent a major transformation when the designer's children took over. In 1994, they employed Tom Ford as design director, and his shocking creations garnered immense attention, including from the European Business Press Federation.

Jacob W. Davis

A staple in most wardrobes, jeans were invented in 1871, it wasn't until James Dean wore them in <i>Rebel Without a Cause</i> that they really rose to mainstream popularity among youth. This revolutionary garment was patented by Jacob W. Davis and Levi Strauss on May 20, 1873.

1946

While functioning, two-piece swimwear had already been established in the fashion industry, Louis Réard was the first to call his the "bikini". On July 5, 1946, the talented engineer turned designer revealed his daring two-piece swimsuit at the Piscine Molitor.

Heelless & Narrow

At the start of the Victorian period, women's shoes were narrow and heelless, typically made in white or black satin. Around the 1860s, shoes became broader with a small heel, and by the 1870s, heels grew taller and toes more pointed.

S-Bend

The S-Bend corset was the most common silhouette among women up until around 1908 when Paul Poiret introduced designs that did not include this style. The S-Bend corset pushed the chest forward, and with extra padding, led to the signature "S" shape.

Rose Bertin

French milliner Rose Bertin, dubbed the 'Minister of Fashion', is generally regarded as the first internationally famous fashion designer. She was the dressmaker to Marie Antoinette and is largely credited with bringing fashion and haute couture to the forefront of popular culture.

1970s

Following the unisex clothing boom of the 1960s, punk made its way into the fashion scene in the 1970s. Initially emerging in London, this anarchic style quickly gained speed and even prominent designers such as Vivienne Westwood catered her designs to customers who loved punk clothes.

The Maison Redfern

During the 1900s, The Maison Redfern, a legendary fashion house founded by English tailor John Redfern, became the first to offer women sportswear and tailored suits based on their male counterparts. This major advancement in fashion offered women practicality that carried over into future garments.

Christian Lacroix

French fashion designer Christian Lacroix shocked the world of fashion and revolutionized haute couture with his extraordinary colors and patterns. Inspired by artisanal trades, he created a line featuring flounced skirts, embroidered garments, and beaded designs.

1959

Spandex, also known as Lycra or Elastane, is a man-made, stretch fiber invented in 1958 by chemist Joseph Shivers. This revolutionary material changed the fashion industry, specifically the way workout garments were made.

1858

Following the emergence of Charles Frederick Worth's fashion house, clothing became defined as "fashion design" rather than "costume design".

'20s

The 1920s, which is the decade between the two world wars, is known as the 'Golden Era of French Fashion'. During this influential time. women experienced an increase in their independence and America's wealth grew.

Seashell

The earliest known buttons were discovered in the Mohenjo-daro region from the Indus Valley Civilization, now known as modern-day Pakistan. The buttons, which date back to 2000 BC, were used for decorative purposes and constructed from curved seashells.

Madeleine Vionnet

Often referred to as the "Queen of the bias cut" and "the architect among dressmakers", Madeleine Vionnet is best known for building her fashion empire without the use of corsets and buttons in favor of the bias cut. She created graceful Grecian-style dresses that continue to inspire modern-day designers.