American Style

American Style is an engaging and visually striking four-part documentary series that debuted on CNN in 2019. The series is a fascinating journey into the developments and diverse transformations that have influenced the course of American fashion throughout the 20th century to the present day. It explores the patterns and trends in American fashion while delving into the broader issues of cultural shifts, societal transitions, political landscapes, and historic events that directly interweave the fabric of American style and fashion trends.

Developed by Executive Producer Jon Kamen and Director Christine Le Goff, American Style spans a time frame starting from the 1940s to the early 21st century, divided into four episodes, each focusing on a specific era. Each episode dives into a different aspect and timeframe of American fashion; it starts with the Post-War era, plunges into the emergence of the iconic American Style in the 1950s and 60s, traverses through the complex climate of the 70s and 80s, and concludes with the culmination of American style and fashion’s global dominance in the 90s and early 21st century.

American Style isn’t just about clothes, designs, and labels; it echoes the changing American sensibilities, emotions, attitudes, and values as reflected in the manner of dressing patterns. Through interviews and observations of renowned fashion icons, historians, and celebrities, the series unfolds varying fashion narratives representing different decades. It gracefully highlights how fashion and political activism intertwined during the Feminist Movement, Civil Rights Movement, and Gay Rights Movement, underscoring how fashion often acts as a mirror to societal changes.

Notably, the show incorporates an extensive amount of archival footage, sound bites from notable figures, and vintage advertisements offering viewers an immersive historical context. These elements vividly recreate the time periods explored, creating a sense of nostalgia while providing a tangible feel of the fashion environment of the time. Moreover, it delves into the lives and influences of renowned fashion figures such as Donna Karan, Calvin Klein, Marc Jacobs, and more, tracing their impact on the fashion industry.

A strength of American Style lies in its investigation of the historical, political, and cultural influences on American fashion. The series deftly demonstrates the connection between what was happening in society and how those events influenced what people wore. For example, it explores the complex relationship between war and fashion: how World War II restrictions led to a restraint in fashion, which subsequently led to the explosion of creativity and desire for luxury in the post-war era.

In another case, it gives insight into how the rise of celebrity culture and movies in the mid-20th century sparked new fashion trends and an obsession with Hollywood glamour. The series also addresses critical topics such as the advent and effects of major technological advances, the changing roles of women, the influence and evolution of youth culture, and the rise of the sexual revolution and its reflection in fashion.

American Style is a thought-provoking commentary about how culture and fashion intersect at the crossroads of social, political, and economic turbulence to produce something uniquely resonant of its time. It examines fashion not simply as clothes to be worn but as a powerful form of self-expression and rebellion against societal norms and expectations.

Finally, American Style is not merely a chronicle of American fashion history; it's a testament to fashion's transformative power and the shifting representations of American identity. Its impressive attention to details, captivating visuals, rich content, and strong storytelling make it more than a pleasure for those interested in fashion - it transcends fashion to tell a broader human story, making it relevant and intriguing to a wide audience.

To sum up, American Style is an intimate journey into America's closet, uncovering the garments and trends that have brought us to where we are in fashion today. The series peels back the layers of the national wardrobe to reveal the complex and engaging stories sewn within. Whether you're a fashionista, a history buff, or just a curious viewer, American Style holds something in store for you.