What Do Pencils and Poodles Have in Common? The Transformative Power of Skirts
When you think of pencils and poodles, what comes to mind? Most likely, skirts don’t immediately pop into your head. However, designer Christian Siriano believes that skirts are a truly transformative piece of clothing. From mini to midi, maxi to assymetric, straight to frothy, the options for skirts are endless. According to Siriano, skirts represent freedom and movement, allowing individuals to escape the feeling of being trapped in pants. In an interview with Faith Salie, Christian Siriano discussed his perspective on the significance of skirts.
Skirts are not just a fashionable garment, but they hold a specific definition. They are designed to dangle from the waist, allowing for unrestricted movement around the body. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell, author of “Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity in the Twentieth Century,” emphasizes that skirts serve as a canvas for beautiful textiles. But skirts also have a deeper meaning – they reflect our culture, values, and how we perceive women. Throughout history, skirts have been associated with traditional femininity, but they have also demonstrated the power and wealth of the wearer. In fact, larger skirts were a symbol of affluence before the Industrial Revolution due to the high cost of textiles.
The evolution of skirts throughout the years has been fascinating. In the early 20th century, skirts gradually became shorter and narrower, especially during World War II when fabric was rationed. However, in 1947, designer Christian Dior introduced an ultra-feminine silhouette called “the new look,” which repudiated the minimalist trends of the time. The iconic 1950s poodle skirt, on the other hand, was named after a specific fabric and gained popularity due to its voluminous design.
There are many misconceptions surrounding skirts, including the origins of the miniskirt. Contrary to popular belief, the miniskirt was not initially considered sexy. It was designed to resemble children’s clothing, with ruffles, bows, or polka dots. Its purpose was to cater to younger women who did not want to look like their mothers. The miniskirt addressed a gap in the market, offering a youthful and playful alternative.
For a long time, the choice to wear skirts was not given to women. It wasn’t until the late 1970s that women were allowed to wear pants in many schools, restaurants, and workplaces. Even this year, the U.S. Marine Corps finally eliminated the mandatory skirt requirement for women. Although skirts have become a symbol of femininity in the Western world, they have masculine connotations in various other cultures. The Scottish kilt, for example, is associated with tough warrior Highlanders.
Skirts have come full circle in modern times. While they were once used to confine women to traditional roles, they now offer men an opportunity to break free from stereotypes. Designer Christian Siriano recalls a significant skirt moment when he designed one for actor Billy Porter. The skirt allowed Porter to wear something classic that women typically wear, challenging societal norms. This proves that there are no rules when it comes to fashion – individuals should wear what they want and express themselves freely.
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