The Most Notorious Fashion Risks Of All Time
We've been talking a lot about fashion risks in 2015, but today we're taking a brief detour. Instead of looking ahead at "what's next," we're looking back at the iconic moments in history that required major sartorial nerve. Keep scrolling to find out which cutting-edge trends and daredevil outfits topped our list!
In 1947, Christian Dior introduced a silhouette that was a dramatic departure from the wartime styles most were accustomed to. The fashion press called the rounded shoulder, ultra-slim waistline, and mid-calf hemline “The New Look,” which surprisingly was the first time the term “look” had been used to describe one’s overall style.
Often dubbed the queen of punk, Westwood popularised the underground movement in London in the late '70s with her daring designs and notorious “Sex” store. Though you no doubt know about punk, and probably don’t find it to be very shocking, at the time these safety pin-embellished youths were startling to the general population.
In 1988 Cher arrived to the Oscars in a head-to-toe sheer Bob Mackie dress. Not only did she snag plenty of looks at the traditionally conservative event, she also snagged an award for Best Actress in Moonstruck.
Vogue published a drawing of a little black dress designed by Coco Chanel in 1926, and many say that's what ignited the popularity of the LBD. For a fascinating look at the frock's historical significance, check out our recent post.
It’s been almost 15 years since Jennifer Lopez arrived at the 42nd Annual Grammy Awards in perhaps the plungiest of plunging necklines. Even to this day, her revealing dress tops most memorable look lists.
The blonde bombshell’s iconic flying dress is perhaps one of the most recognised images in the world. Monroe stepped onto a subway grate, revealing her undergarments, and setting the stage for fearless female sexuality for years to come.
Onlookers were shocked and slightly horrified when Lady Gaga stepped onto the red carpet at the 2010 MTV Video Music Awards in a dress made entirely of meat.
“I was surrounded by cameramen, all on their knees like proposing Victorian swains, shooting upwards to make my skirt look even shorter. I had no idea this was going to happen—this was publicity that I certainly had not planned,” Shrimpton said of her 1965 appearance at the Melbourne Cup Carnival. Though attending a horse race in a shift dress and kitten heels hardly sounds indecent, compared to other guests, wearing below-the-knees dresses plus hats and gloves, Shrimpton's look was downright scandalous.
In 1992 Marc Jacobs, the grunge-obsessed, newly-appointed creative director at Perry Ellis sent his models down the runway in flannels, Doc Martens, crocheted beanies, and layers upon layers. Though this surprised and intrigued the fashion industry, unfortunately the powers that be weren’t as pleased. He was fired shortly after, but we all know how this story ends.
What’s your favourite fashion risk? Share with us in the comments below!