subject: Shift Dresses Through the Ages [print this page] Shift Dresses Through the Ages Shift Dresses Through the Ages
The iconic fashion staple the shift dress has evolved tremendously over the last half a century. Surprisingly, this infamous design almost avoided popularity entirely. The initial shift dress was a simple, sleeveless design that featured a length falling just under the knees along with a high neck-line.
The dress that soon turned into a fashion sensation in the United States was originally shunned by Parisians. Famous designer, Hubert de Givenchy, revealed the simple design of the shift dress within his 1957 Paris Collection Fashion Show. Reviews of the dress were bleak. It was subsequently printed how the shift dress appeared, "plain and ugly, having no shape." These opinions would soon shed away, given that the shift dress craze spread from the USA and was soon adopted as being fashion favourite in Europe.
Givenchy had long been catering towards the personal style of Audrey Hepburn, who wore a Givenchy classic black shift dress in probably the most memorable scene of the film, 'Breakfast at Tiffanys.' The shift dress has also been worn by fashion icon, Jacqueline Kennedy. The shift dress became an immediate sensation throughout 1960s, and yes it remains a favourite style today. This sophisticated mod design has experienced a surge in popularity recently, because the style is often worn by First Lady of the United States, Michelle Obama. During the late 60s, a model named Twiggy' sported a shift dress worn about 7" above her knees in a look put together by famous British designer, Mary Quant. This daring style of wearing a shift dress 7" above the knees which it had been designed to cover entirely was rumoured to have been what sparked the fashion craze of the classic 60s mini-skirt.
The options for the shift dress expanded subsequently and were soon spotted in colourful patterns and various lengths. Shift dresses are forever expanding, in terms of style; however, the classic features of the dress still stand out in a classic and sophisticated look. This is exactly what makes this style so abundantly adored by women everywhere. Shift dresses are versatile, fun and personable. The simple lines and clean look of the shift dress accommodate the style to be easily dressed up with fashionable heels and jewellery, or worn with leggings and flats to get a fun and casual day-time look. Popular shift dresses today feature small accents, just like buttons and pleats that add incredible personality to the timeless dress.
