Fashion in a France's Socio-Cultural Context during the 1960s

Abstract

Fashion has been one of France's most important cultural factors since the seventeenth century. However, nobles and socialistes held a monopoly on fashion and style at least until the Second World War (1939-1945). The war became an important turning point in Paris fashion. France in the post-war period saw a change in its society and culture which came after a significant increase in population, Workplaces and schools became more open to people from various social backgrounds. This made France socially and culturally a divided country. The post-war generation sought their own cultures and lifestylesinstead of following the values and traditions of the pre-war society. This article covers the development in Paris fashion from the late 1940s to 1960s. The study shows that fashion was one of the first bellwethers to reflect these changes in French society. This Asticle also explores how the role of the younger generation contributed to the change in fashion throughout the 1960s.