Trends Fall/Winter 2014-2015: The Revolutionary Spirit of the ‘Mini’

Hey, you girls ? when you rock your shortest skirt have you ever wondered why it was invented back in the day? And, you boys, when you notice the girl fiercely walking in a dress that?s only slightly covering
her bottoms ? has it ever crossed your mind that prior to the 1960?s you?d have never been exposed to such a view?

That?s what I thought.

THE LOOK: FLAT TOP CAT EYE SUNGLASSES (HERE)|ALDO BIANCAVILLA CLUTCH (HERE)| ROUGE ALLURE INTENSE LONG-WEAR COLOUR ENVOUTANTE (HERE)|MICHAEL KORS ROSE GOLDEN WATCH (HERE)|TED BAKER EMBELLISHED COLLAR CAPE (HERE)|MANGO FLOWY SHIFT DRESS (HERE) |BLINK OVER THE KNEE FLAT BOOTS (HERE)|TILDA ? LACE CLOSURE THIGH HIGH BOOTS (HERE)

Actually, if I’m to choose a type of dress - I’d always go for a mini trapeze one, as that’s the shape and length of garment that I find most suitable for my petite body (here). Knee-length’s never really an option - it makes me feel as if I’ve stolen the garment from my mother’s closet. It’s not a good look, I’m telling you.

Anyway, a few years back while working on my dissertation I stumbled upon the history of the ‘mini skirt’ and I was so surprised to find out that the famous piece of attire’s actually the symbol of grand socio-political changes that took place during the 1960s. It was the British designer Mary Quant who, inspired by the young generation’s yearn to demarcate itself from their parents old-fashioned bourgeois beliefs, created a daring ?uniform? that loudly voiced the youngster’s rebellious stance. 

And even if you aren’t truly into fashion, just consider the fact that clothes were once employed as
weapons of empowerment. Every time an old lady saw a girl walking in her mini, she was reminded of the lack of choice she?d had when she was a young girl herself. The girl in the ‘mini’ was now suddenly enabled to embrace her sexuality and decide on the social roles she’d like to undertake.

Have you noticed the judgmental glances of the old ladies wearing their two-piece suits on the photos above?

And no, I?m not a fan of the trend solely due to my feminist inclinations, as quite frankly, I don?t regard myself as a feminist but rather as a humanist who advocates everyone’s right to pursue their happiness. And of course claiming that the ‘Mini’ is a Revolution - well, this does sound quite superficial and naive. But how could you not admire the way in which fashion was used back in the day? While today, through pulling off an outfit we make fashion statements, 50 years ago they made socio-political ones.

And indeed half a century later, Saint Larent has brought to life the rebellious spirit of the 1960s, with his models rocking overly short trapeze dresses and Twiggy’s dark dramatic eye. And the thing is: no matter the length of your trapeze dress - it’s not much likely that anyone would regard you as tacky. In comparison to all the other type of dresses, the trapeze one speaks out simplicity & sophistication. However, if you’re worried that it might be too short to your taste - combine it with black thick tights (or leggings) and a pair of high leather boots. My bag suggestion? Either a tote or a clutch - and remember: the quirkiest the better. 

 Saint Laurent and Gucci Fall/Winter 2014-2015

To ensure that you?ve completed the ‘Twiggies’ look ?  spend some time on your eyes as they are certainly the focal point of the 1960s face. Grab your kohl eye pencil or thick eyeliner and then layer lots of mascara. The more dramatic ? the better! 

The Tools I normally use to achieve the dramatic eye: Rimmel Liquid Eyeliner (here) and L’Oréal Paris Volume Building Mascara (here). In case you’re not a fan of the heavy eye make up - get creative and alter the 1960?s look a little going for a dark lip instead.

And one last tip: Wear the Mini with confidence. At all times.