Fashion evolution

This is just a little side note - I read last night over at Fashionologie about the "American Woman" Themed Costume Insititute Gala. I found it highly amusing that it is hailed as looking at the influence and style revolutions started by the American woman - and then list the clothing that will be displayed, all by french and italian designers. A bit of American egocentrism perhaps?

I think I see what they mean though - early 20th century was the start of movies and hollywood and most of the great actresses of the time were American. They inspired and sported new looks from then upcoming designers and in that way helped and influenced the style revolution that shaped the 20th century. Maybe it's the patriot in me (I am french and a lot of the great designers that started up in the early 20th century are french - Chanel, Lanvin, Dior, Saint Laurent etc) but although I agree America had some influence I would still maintain the style revolution in the early 20th century was started and mainly carried by Europe and France. But that's just my insignificant view!

A very good book to read to get a better idea of the evolution of fashion in this era is Coco Chanel: A Biography by Axel Madsen (photo from Amazon). Although the book is about Chanel's life it goes into great detail as to the political and fashion scene of the time and really tells Chanel's life in the context of the happenings and changes of the time. And what's highly amusing is learning about how all the huge design houses we all know now started off -for example a small nervous young man is mentioned starting an apprenticeship at Dior - his name was Yves Saint Laurent......