The “roaring twenties”, a time of short, feathered skirts, jazz music and expensive fashion. Now, a new era with a shortage of money and job’s but certainly not fun, has arrived in America. Due to the upcoming war, fabric is now used on the military and not for ladies with style. Hemlines have begun to rise and buttons are only used for functional purposes. In a time of cultural change, two famous actresses and fashion icons dare to take an audacious step, making a rather controversial decision. Recently Marlene Dietrich appeared at the Sign of the Cross, a recent event, wearing a masculine tuxedo, wing collar, soft felt hat and a mannish topcoat. Her outfit was eagerly discussed throughout due to its masculinity. She has posed the question of “should women be allowed to wear trousers”, and has given a daring message of strong and stubborn femininity. Here is what Adrinne Ames, another extremely talented actress, had to say about the matter, “I am not ashamed of being a woman. I intend to keep on looking like one. Trousers on women look quite hideous. You will never- I repeat- never see a woman wearing trousers on Park Avenue!”. Adrinne is not the only one making negative statements towards Dietrich, but Dietrich has most definitely gotten supporters to try to establish equality in the fashion world. As well as passing through the mouths of many people, Dietrich’s act passed through, and was discussed in congress. The conclusion that congress drew to was that she was not deceiving anyone nor was she trying to, and that she was entitled to her rights. In addition to Marlene Dietrich, the beautiful and well known actress, Katherine Hepburn, has also been recently photographed wearing trousers in, and off set. She firmly states, “I find a woman’s point of view much grander and finer than a man’s”. Katherine is clearly striving towards re-defining femininity not not only through her films, but through her daring fashion. Just like Dietrich her acts have not been popular all around and she has been given the nickname of “box office poison” by the ones who are not so fond of her statements. These two individuals threatened with not only a unique change in fashion, but a change in society and the power of women. Fashion is a mean for them to express their controversial and and bold statements, not just a distraction and entertainment for the public to conform.
By: Sarah P