Throughout history, fashion trends have directly embodied the movements and ongoings of surrounding society. In a time of intense commercialization and globalization, we have seen a rise of fast fashion to accompany the disposability of ‘micro’ trends that seem to ‘go out of style’ the moment you participate. Although the denim skirt originally emerged in the 1970s as a way to repurpose worn jeans; fast fashion corporations have since morphed this once sustainable piece of fashion in order to keep up with the quick overturn of fashion trends. From the reappearance of the denim maxi skirt that was once a staple of the 1990s, to the micro mini skirts currently regaining popularity.
The 1970s was a period of intense social, political and environmental activism fighting for the rights of women, LGBTQ+ people, African Americans and other marginalized communities, including the concept of nature that lacked a voice to fight for itself; here we see the emergence of the denim skirt as an act of individual environmental activism by the repurposing of old jeans. Following the 1960s, there was an increased awareness of human’s contribution to climate change which led to the first Earth Day held on April 22, 1970. April 22 was unlike any Earth Day since – it was a protest against industrialization and other factors leading to climate change, rather than an appreciation of our planet as it is treated today (although I’d say we’re in need of another protest this coming April).
The decade following the 1970 Earth Day protest saw various science-based legislation surrounding the protection of Earth’s natural resources, including the Environmental Protection Agency (1970), the Clean Air Act (1970), the Clean Water Act (1972) and the Endangered Species Act (1973). In addition to government legislation, individuals embodied this environmental activism in their daily lives by opposing consumerism, and promoting individuality and freedom through the Hippie Movement. The movement’s anti-materialist perspectives led to the creation of the denim skirt, which stood as a form of individual environmental activism by repurposing worn jeans that would otherwise end up in landfills. Denim skirts showcased individual styles through patchwork, distressed materials and other embellishments that were both functional and stylish. Wearing a denim skirt was once a social statement; claiming your positionality in the effort against climate change by promoting sustainable fashion while simultaneously promoting individuality within the fashion scene – directly opposing the notion of micro trends and fast fashion so prevalent in our current society.
Fashion trends always have a way of reappearing, as we’ve seen from the Y2K aesthetic, the legwarmers of the 80s and denim overalls of the 90s (to name a few). Even the denim skirt has reappeared through the decades, adjusting its style to fit surrounding societal fashion trends, i.e. oversized acid wash skirts in the 80s, to light wash maxi skirts in the 90s, and the embellished mini skirts in the early 2000s. In a time of environmental crisis and all eyes on climate change, it’s now more than ever that we need the reappearance of the 1970s denim skirt, along with its ideals of sustainable fashion. With a rise in crochet and embroidery, it’s a perfect time for people to use their skills to create wearable art on repurposed denim, prioritizing their individual styles over societal trends. Additionally, it’s a great opportunity to learn how to sew and create other pieces using repurposed clothing items. Perhaps the reemergence of denim skirts decorated with various patchwork and other unique embellishments that are hand-made from worn jeans, could have a wider effect on society and promote environmental activism and individuality within the fashion industry.
By: Beth Hood
Comments