1960s Revolution

JANUARY 2022 – APRIL 2022 / LEBARSON GALLERY

1960s Revolution

Some women in the 1960s felt that the way they were dressing was conforming to society, and they needed a way to fully express themselves and their freedom. With changing styles from shorter hemlines to blue jeans, women used dress to their advantage and were part of starting a feminist movement to reject mainstream society. The objects displayed can be seen as the visual representation of what it meant for women to have more control of their rights and freedom. Minidresses were a way for women to escape society’s idea that they were to be housewives and not be too revealing in their clothing choices. Eventually, the styles influenced the younger generation, making the youthquake erupt. The corresponding images from Vogue highlight similar styles in high fashion magazines.

Curated by Jessica Zuniga, undergraduate student in Apparel, Merchandising, and Design and curatorial and collections manager student assistant in the ISU Textiles and Clothing Museum.