In the midst of
the 1960’s a shift in men’s fashion began to appear. With the rise of tighter
garments and longer hairstyles, men molded to the characteristics desired by
women. As the Beatles led the fashion forefront, a new set of values and
beliefs arose. This unique set of pathos targeted an audience that sought to
expand the new “sporty” image. The images of tighter male garments appealed to
women of the era.
Catalogs for
men’s clothing in the 60’s focused on capturing the imaginative sympathies of
both men and women. Men and women alike saw the new fashion as a way to ignite
their young passion, comparable to that of the “Beatlemania” craze.
Men’s clothing
transformed into more effeminate garments, but also into more luxurious
garments. Advertisements for hand brushed shoes and fabrics such as silk
appealed to a feeling of luxury and comfort.
The pathos of
men’s clothing advertisements of the 60’s play into the emotions associated
with the feeling of being “in style”. The concept behind the new fashion and advertisements
that accompany the new trends was the idea of being “cool” and “chic”. Pictures
of garments were placed in catalogs to be sold to consumers who made purchases
based on the trends. The catalog makers used the images of their clothing to appeal
to the consumers desire to achieve popularity. Furthermore, the styles of
clothing highlighted the value placed on spirit, rebellion, and individuality.
Arguably these
new styles were appealing imaginatively because ordinary men could see themselves
as stars like the Beatles.
Personally, I didn't think there was too much pathos in the change of fashion for men in the 1960s. But, you do make a good point about how men would try to compare themselves to popular figures like the Beatles due to fashion. And I guess because of these popular figures wearing new, revolutionary clothing, they would feel more passionate about adjusting their style to emulate their style.
ReplyDeleteThis is very well written but your analysis of pathos in regards to men's fashion is limited. You summarizing the era more than analyzing how the fashion change appealed to the values of men in that period of time.
ReplyDelete