The Nineties
The '90s were a dynamic decade characterised by significant cultural shifts across various aspects of society. It was also the time of Kate Moss’s heyday and of course, Tom Ford’s impeccable Gucci era
IF YOU WERE to ask me what I thought the most interesting era in fashion is, I would tell you it is, without a doubt, the nineties. This decade saw a fascinating convergence of diverse, and at times contradictory, fashion trends. The anti-establishment grunge movement, popularised by bands like Nirvana, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam brought an edgy aesthetic with ripped jeans, plaid flannels, and combat boots to the mainstream. Hip-hop culture influenced streetwear with oversized clothing, baggy jeans, and sportswear brands like Nike and Adidas becoming ubiquitous on city streets and suburban neighbourhoods. (This trend continues today.)
Concurrently, minimalist fashion and makeup trends were gaining momentum, characterised by clean lines, neutral colour palettes, and a pared-down elegance—a stark contrast to the big shoulder pads and even bigger hairstyles that dominated the 1980s, yet a precursor to the more widespread popularity of minimalism in the latter half of the decade. It is this time period that is my favourite. The Big Six—Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer—worked with the most lauded photographers, dominated the runways and magazine covers, and represented the world’s most exclusive brands. It was the time of Kate Moss’s heyday, and of course, Tom Ford’s impeccable Gucci era…