TAILORED TIMELINE BY KATIE PITTMAN PHOTOS BY ALLISON HAAS
Over the years, men’s fashion has been put on the backburner. Many menswear collections have historically been featured along with womenswear, which usually took center stage during fashion shows. But this past July, the first New York Men’s Fashion Week took place after a 14-year hiatus. In just four days, over 50 shows and presentations occurred, drawing large audiences. Famous designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and many more took part in the event, sponsored by Amazon Fashion. Steven Kolb, CEO of the Council of Fashion Designers of America, stated in an interview with Buro 24/7,“America’s menswear has never been more strong or creative.” Designer Todd Snyder told fashion website, The Cut, that “U.S. menswear has been an afterthought for years.” NYFW allows for designers like 168 | THREAD
Snyder to show off their oftenoverlooked menswear collections. Men’s fashion truly began in the 1940s. This is when mass production of clothing began and ready-to-wear collections were created. Designers focused on suits with longer jackets, pressed slacks, and leather loafers. The 1950s was an era in men’s fashion that focused on minimalist, conservative outfits. Gray double-breasted jackets with matching slacks were popular. The outfits focused on clean lines and structure, unlike the fashion of the 1960s. In fact, according to men’s fashion blog, Articles of Style, the 1960s was a time of “rebellion and individuality” in the fashion world. Typical looks consisted of pants with higher hemlines, patterned shirts, and buckled shoes. Fashion-forward men focused on showing their