Hollywood Influences Fashion

     The document titled "Hollywood Influences Fashion," describes the effect that film had on fashion in the twentieth century. When actors and actresses would appear in new styles and designs, they would instantaneously become the next big thing among movie goers, similar to the experiences of Tommy Hilfiger's brand.  There is an account in the document of an actor choosing not to wear something which led to a major downfall in the product's sales. The author describes the incident as "Then Clark Gable (1901–1960), one of the era's top stars and most influential male icons, appeared in It Happened One Night (1934). At one point in the film Gable brashly removes his shirt, revealing his bare chest. He was not wearing an undershirt. After the release of It Happened One Night, undershirt sales across the United States plummeted by a reported 75 percent."
     The document clearly explains how the extensive influence movies and film has had on society. People looked up to actors and actresses and in an effort to live their perfect and glamorous lives, they imitated actors and actresses, most specifically in their clothing and fashion sense. Similar, less expensive styles and designs often seen in movies and on television shows could be found in most department stores. Since movies were used as an escape from daily life, the new designs and fashions also helped people lead better lives. Fashion for many people was not just a look but also a feeling, they looked and felt like actors and actresses.

What types of media influence fashion today?

"Hollywood Influences Fashion." Fashion, Costume, and Culture: Clothing, Headwear, Body Decorations, and Footwear through the Ages. Ed. Sara Pendergast and Tom Pendergast. Vol. 4: Modern World Part I: 1900-1945. Detroit: UXL, 2004. 784-785. Gale Virtual Reference Library. Web. 3 Mar. 2012.