A wedding is a significant event in the lives of newlyweds. For a long time, its organization was approached very carefully, taking into account even the smallest details. The bride’s dress received special attention as it represented the style and fashion of the time. It is worth noting that classic white wedding dresses have been fashionable in New York since the time of Queen Victoria. However, throughout the years, wedding fashion trends, have changed considerably. In the twentieth century, New York became the cultural, business, political and fashion center of the United States, where many celebrities married. They established the fashion for wedding dresses. So, what types of wedding dresses were trendy in the twentieth century? Find out more at newyorka.
How has the fashion for wedding dresses changed in New York over the years?
Wedding gowns worn by New Yorkers in the twentieth century primarily followed the fashion trends prevalent in the city at the time. They were designed based on both European and American fashion trends. For example, in the early twentieth century, brides’ wedding attire reflected the romanticism and elegance of the Edwardian era. Such dresses were distinguished by their careful attention to detail and exquisite craftsmanship. In the 1910s, New Yorkers preferred loose but elegant floor-length dresses. Not only were these dresses the height of fashion at the time, but they were also comfortable for the brides. It was considerably easier to move around wearing them.
Aside from clothes, a characteristic feature of weddings in the early 20th century in New York was dancing at the celebration. The Indian Lynx, a dance that gained popularity in the early 1900s, was performed at nearly every wedding in New York.
The fashion for bridal dresses among New Yorkers was highly changeable. Less than a decade later, sophisticated flapper dresses came into fashion. Such dresses were considered fashionable throughout the 1920s.
This type of style became popular in New York in the 1920s as a result of the city youth being influenced by the flapper fashion. As a result, the distinguishing features of clothes at the time were: a dominant white color, a high oval neckline, a straight silhouette, a narrow cut and a low waist. As an accessory, New Yorkers began to incorporate a lace veil into their bridal attire, making it more delicate and romantic.
It should be emphasized that fashion changed more quickly the more it progressed. This tendency had an impact on the wedding industry in the 1930s as well. As New York was the fashionable center of the world, brides attempted to keep up with the trends of the day, and in the 1930s, they picked simple silk or viscose dresses for their weddings. These gowns were tight and featured a high neckline and long sleeves.
Representatives of the city’s elite undoubtedly chose the most expensive silk for their wedding attire. At the same time, middle-class brides could not afford such luxuries, but their desire to keep up and meet the fashion trends of their time was very strong. Those who couldn’t afford silk chose viscose dresses to attain a similar look.
In the following 1940th decade, wedding dress fashion in New York remained relatively unchanged. Dresses with high collars and long sleeves were fashionable.
Furthermore, the Second World War made its own adjustments to the city’s fashion industry. Although no military operations took place on New York’s territory, the state of war and fighting in Europe had an impact on the city. First and foremost, it caused a lack of materials. Residents of New York dressed modestly and practically during this period. Also, during the war, couples frequently held smaller and more private wedding ceremonies.
A new era of luxury
At the same time, in the 1950s, wedding dress trends changed dramatically. By that time, ball gowns with huge skirts were at the peak of popularity.
Such a wedding gown was worn by Jackie Kennedy, a New York resident and later the First Lady of the United States. Jackie married John F. Kennedy on September 12, 1953.
Also, in addition to full skirts, strapless dresses made their way into 1950s bridal fashion. New Yorkers desired a unique and fresh wedding look. They were tired of the boring high neck and long sleeves. However, it should be mentioned that not all brides were prepared for such a swift change in the traditional bridal look.
In the 1960s, New York City was once again dominated by fashion for simpler and more sophisticated looks. This time is also notable for having the widest range of wedding dresses. New York residents chose both tight and short wedding dresses, as well as gowns with voluminous sleeves. In the 1970s, wedding dresses with voluminous sleeves became increasingly popular. Additionally, already in the 1980s, strapless dresses returned to fashion again.
In the 1990s, a more modern cocktail dress became popular in New York. It was introduced into fashion by Lazaro, an American designer. The gown was tight, like a tango dress. It also included asymmetrical ruffles. At the same time, lush dresses were still in style. Such dress was worn by Mariah Carey, who married Tommy Mottola in the 1990s. Their wedding took place at the famous St. Thomas’ Church in New York. Carey chose a stunning Vera Wang wedding gown with a 27-foot train and a diamond tiara. The dress alone cost around 25,000 dollars.
Factors that influenced New York wedding fashion
Wedding dress fashion in New York has changed repeatedly during the course of the twentieth century due to a variety of factors. Ultimately, this resulted in a diverse range of styles and trends.
One of the key factors that influenced wedding fashion in New York City was social norms and cultural values. For example, around the turn of the twentieth century, the rich and extravagant styles of the Gilded Age were replaced with more practical and restrained designs. It was also caused by economic difficulties, such as the Great Depression.
Furthermore, the introduction of synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester in the twentieth century, as well as new advancements in embroidery, created new prospects for wedding dress designers.
The formation of wedding fashion could not have been completed without the participation of celebrities. In the twentieth century, New York City became the site of historic weddings such as Jacqueline and John F. Kennedy, Tommy Mottola and Mariah Carey, Sarah Jessica Parker and Matthew Broderick and many more. They have become real style icons, setting fashion trends.
Undoubtedly, local fashion designers and couturiers such as Vera Wang, Oscar de la Renta and Carolina Herrera contributed to the formation of wedding fashion. Throughout the century, their innovative designs and attention to detail have helped create wedding fashion trends.
Wedding dress fashion in New York City during the twentieth century mirrored the strong interplay of social, cultural, economic and artistic factors, resulting in the formation of a variety of styles and trends.
Historical significance
During the twentieth century, the bride’s choice of wedding dress was influenced by fashion trends, economics, technology, religion, geography, celebrities, personal preferences and social standing.
Wedding clothes hold a lot of memories. Its details, such as shoes and hats, were frequently saved and passed down to future generations. The chosen dress reveals information about both the owner and those who designed it. Some wedding clothing from the 1910s and 1940s can be seen in the New York State Museum’s collection, where you can learn more about the history of fashion trends in wedding clothes.