Fashion is a global industry. Specific regions around the world are known for popularizing certain design concepts based on history and geography. The kind of designs popular with French designers are totally different from designs popular with Japanese designers.
For example, Britain is know for their edgy, youth-centric designs thanks to the Youthquake movement of the 1960s, where young people began to rebel against societal norms and express themselves in a way that is totally different from their parents. Instead of stuffy Parisian Couture, young adults in Britain were wearing dramatic silhouettes and bold colors that blurred the lines of gender and sexuality. Youthquake was considered the first wave of street fashion to become popularized in the mainstream.
Mary Quant was the fashion designer credited with inventing the miniskirt, a staple in the wardrobes of young women during this time. Pop culture was also a huge theme for dress during this time and rockstars like the Beatles and Bob Dylan were featured on clothing and accessories. Today, Fashion is the most successful creative industry in Britain and some current designers that embody the British edge are Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney.
Another design concept that challenges societal norms and comment on social issues is avant-garde fashion. Avant-garde concepts are mostly seen as art as opposed to clothing and are very rarely worn off the runway, but have a huge impact on the fashion industry. Italian born, French fashion designer Pierre Cardin's career began in the 1950s, and he was known for his geometric silhouettes.
Today, Japanese designer Rei Kawakubo, founder of the brand Comme des Garçons, is known for her dramatic looks that are more sculpture-like than wearable. Kakakubo has inspired many other designers including Martin Margiela and Ann Demeulemeester. In 2017 the Metropolitan Museum honored Kawakubo and Comme des Garçons at the annual Met Gala.
