Early 1800's: Controversial Clothing As Western women were beginning to pick a fight for their rights, the pants were the perfect uniform. The “freedom” in form of the pants was a perfect representation of the liberation these women strived for. Higher hemlines, masculine connotations, and the influential women who wore the trousers made them controversial.
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Early 1900's: Feminine Fashion Once the feminists established their role in society, the pants had a resurgence in 1909 (thank you Monsieur Poiret!). The trousers now took on more feminine embellishments: intricate beading, silk and satin materials, oriental designs. A tunic was usually paired with the pants, paying tribute to their Eastern Asian origins.
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Early 1990's: Parachute PandemicThanks to his hit single "U Can't Touch This," MC Hammer started the new of harem pants: the “parachute pants.” The trousers now featured a more tapered leg and larger crotch-drop, as well as brightly colored designs. People were mesmerized by this quirky new fashion, as “hammer time” was sweeping the nation.
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Today: Modern ChicGivenchy, Ralph Lauren, Balenciaga, and Alexander McQueen are among the high fashion designers who "reinvented" the now stylish trouser. The current style is more subtly chic in its design with neutral colors, and blends in the popular “skinny jean” fit around the lower leg. Harem pants in -- slacks out.
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