A Closer Look: 90s Minimalism Fashion | Cultured Elegance

A Closer Look: 90s Minimalism Fashion | Cultured Elegance
In this video, we will explore 1990s fashion. Specifically 1990s minimalism which embodies the quiet luxury theme. We’ll look at famous brands of the day like Gucci with Tom Ford, Prada, Calvin Klein, Michael Kors, and Donna Karen who took minimalism to the forefront of mainstream style. As well as the celebrities and models who did the same like Kate Moss, Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, Gwyneth Paltrow and others.
These 90's style icons created a classic chic minimalist and elegant style. And we’re often photographed wearing simple, classic pieces that showcased their natural beauty and effortless chic style. They focused on using a limited colour palette, simple geometric shapes, and high-quality materials to create a refined and sophisticated look.
Together let’s travel back in time as we learn about the 90s Minimalism fashion style.
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ALL Recommended Products:
All Things Jackie Kennedy: www.amazon.com...
All Things Carolyn Bessette-Kennedy: www.amazon.com...
All things Princess Diana: www.amazon.com...
The Best Lifestyle Books: www.amazon.com...
Favorite Fragrances of Elegant Ladies Past: www.amazon.com...
Elegant Spa Bathroom Essentials: www.amazon.com...
Love Fashion History books? Visit fashionary.org
and use code ‘faith10’ to receive 10% off your order!
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#elegance #90s #minimalism

[@LoveMyCoffee10]

You could still wear these fashions today, timeless, sophisticated & beautiful. Great video!

[@kate_cooper]

In my opinion, the 90s were one of the most stylish decades. Also, I’d completely forgotten that Gwyneth Paltrow and Brad Pitt were once a couple.

[@GregHeffley-vs8wv]

You people have to release all these things were just getting discovered in a way and it was pre-century breakout

[@nomennescio2095]

They were actually engaged.

[@sharontisherman7619]

The ninety’s were my vibe! I mostly shopped at Banana Republic, Ann Taylor and the Gap. I always enjoyed a understated aesthetic. Iwas also in my thirties so everything looked pretty good on me.

[@Richardsonprincess00]

The year of the 90s minimalist fashion comes around.

[@burgundybabyy]

I MISS THE 90S SO MUCH 😭

[@daliatamulyte9636]

It looks like even Gwyneth’s facial features fit the 90s aesthetic so well - small lips, minimal facial expressions, straight blonde hair etc

[@marthamathilda]

same with CBK :) but i think of Naomi&Kate as the faces of the 90s with theyre high cheekbones and pouty lips

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I miss the 80s and 90s, the last time high-street clothes used quality materials. Everything is polyester these days and it shows.

[@hannushka5195]

The synthetic materials are awful! And still high price points … insane

[@marthamathilda]

trueee idk why theyre raving about THE ROW when they sell polyester coats for 5k (they also have better quality materials but not exclusively)

[@s.fernandes7560]

The 1994 documentary " Catwalk" staring Christie Turlington is a must watch. The whole documentary Was available on KZbin. Now only in parts. Gives an inside on the topmodels of the nineties, the designers and behind the scenes

[@uhar2411]

Loved the fashion of that decade a lot. It is still my goal to look like that. Silent elegance...but modern in a certain way.

[@robynwells8249]

I love the minimalist ‘90’s style. I loved it then and still do. I was in my 30’s during this time and dressing was so easy. There seems to be a come back, but what I’ve noticed is that the tailoring that made the clothes timeless then, is missing from today’s clothing. It’s the Goldilocks fitting clothes that made the ‘90’s standout. The clothes weren’t too…

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

I agree, 90s clothes fit! Today’s oversized styles are awful.🙂

[@A__user000]

Clothes are poorly made nowadays…

[@unknown-lf6zx]

God…I miss the 90s! Great music, fashion and simpler times! CBK, Turlington and Kate Moss did it best in my opinion!

[@NoOne-wt3sv]

We crave the simplicity of the 90’s but the relaxed feel of now. Meant to be ill-fitting/“sloppy”

[@marthamathilda]

i was 0-10 in the 90s.... im so jealous you lived it!!! i watch as much early 90s shows,movies, etc and sex&the city sometimes only to look at the extras on the streets doing their thing hahaha

[@lavoixdevelours]

Loved the old footage! I used to watch this show on the E channel when it was still brand new called Fashion Television or Fashion News with Jeanne Beker. This takes me back to that.

[@Pinkranger87]

Me too. That's where I really learned about fashion not some influencer but from actually designers and models.

[@jackiethomas3847]

All those beautiful neutral clothes at the beginning of video are timeless and I would wear them now. Thank you Faith!

[@joywetzel4640]

I love this era of clothing. Timeless. So great. Love this video

[@munequa81]

I feel blessed to have grown up during the 90s. It was truly the best!

[@bettyng9880]

I was in my 20s during the 90s and I still wear my clothes from that era. Timeless.

[@trishalivingston1051]

This is my preferred look, and very much the style I've always worn. I expect my clothes to last for years and am not interested in any clothing which wears out in 5 minutes.

[@elleblue]

I grew up during this time and it informs so much of what I like as an adult!

[@spacebar9733]

The sound clip of andre Leon made me smile lol

[@CulturedElegance]

I’m glad!!

[@barbaraallen7164]

Vintage Donna Karan is simply classic. I have some of her early 90s pieces in my closet.

[@roxannekane6142]

I was I. My twenties during the nineties and still wear this style to some degree. Often you can come across original well made pieces from these designers at consignment shops (even thrift stores). This style never goes out of style. It is also easy to tweak in order to update. I never realized it until now but since this minimal pattern / solid color look appeared I almost never if rarely wear patterns.

[@LK-Design]

My favorite style. Love Carolyn.

[@unbreakingchaos2044]

Gucci by Tomford will forever be a staple in 90s chic sultry fashion it captivated this aura that I haven’t seen another brand do during that time.

[@niakoo8198]

classic, traditional... never goes out of style!

[@sableann4255]

Love this timeless look! Classy, clean lines, beautiful!!! I still wear similar looks today. European women today still wear classic black coat, black flats, jeans....

[@buddhahoo1]

Excellent trip down memory lane with clothes worn thirty years ago. Streamlined neutrals and minimalist for me. Just the copy cat look, as could not swing designers. Loved Gwyneth and Caroline. Would wear the same classic clothing now. Great video, thank you.

[@CulturedElegance]

Thank you so much! I agree

[@Purplenpinkk]

I feel like Gwyneth Paltrow still embodies that look. I love her style. When she was going to trial in Colorado her outfits were amazing. I think a lot of here pieces were from her Goop line, so very $$$$$$$$$$$

[@nataliacastano4880]

This is the best video for all the fashion lovers

[@CulturedElegance]

Aw thank you so very much!!!

[@dreamsofadaffodil650]

How strange, the things we were just experiencing in 90s and 2000s...and now it's an unapproachable past!!! Gone forever 🌷🌷🌷🌷🌷

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Look at the beautiful tailoring, and the high-quality, of these clothes, lovely. The late 90s got a bit severe, it seems like everyone wore a black, exposed-front-zipper catsuit. Since about 2000, it’s so hard to find this quality.

[@GH-fb9dh]

Gwyneth and Brad were such a handsome couple

[@DulcePerle]

I was in my teens in the 90s and this was and still is my vibe- I will ALWAYS be a minimalist. The Versace loud colors and patterns, not my vibe at all though. I resonate with this quote from Carolyn Kennedy: “I’m not comfortable anything ornate. I like clean and understated looks,”. Yup 🖤

[@pegaga1618]

Im the same age with Cindy and Elle Worn the minimalist outfits back in the 90s Still wearing it now. Timeless

[@Chidi_xx]

If someone asked me what my style is…it’s this. My favorite time and it has the best time in fashion

[@hinaynihorvath3926]

Times have changed like night and day although quality clothing is very hard to find...op shopping is cool it's time to move forward with sustainable clothing & new ideas

[@kaila62kaila]

Loved this! Loved old photos of Gwyneth, Brad, Johnny, Naomi along with JFK Jr and Carolyn!

[@barbararios246]

I love Donna Karen in the 90s

[@rachelcoleman4693]

My favorite aesthetic, for sure.

[@thesecondYouTube]

Victoria Adams during 1996 - 1999 had a big impact on fashion. She was the reason so many children and teenagers had heard for the first time and got into high fashion labels like Gucci and Prada.

[@emiliachidester3250]

I DO LIKE THE DEMURE, CLASSIC LOOK IS ELEGANT AND SIMPLE.

[@annafe86]

I love Carolyn style so much❤

[@kellysblackcat]

I would wear most of those clothes today. The long dresses are gorgeous, and pants suits etc. Such a huge difference from the 80s and the guady shoulder pads and big hair. Although some of the 80s was still cool, but these 90s fashions were done well. Wow great video. 👍😊

[@audreyhepburns]

Hi Faith! I really enjoy your videos tackling about the Kennedy residence like Jackie Kennedy’s childhood home and apartment, and I was wondering if you would consider doing a video about the Roosevelt cottage at Campobello? Thanks! ❤️

[@CulturedElegance]

Thank you for your appreciation! Of course! I will add it to the list!!

[@b-punkt.2028]

Elegant is just one who knows how -- and to wear fashion... No question of time or age or... Money! Only cultivated and own taste. ✌️😎

[@CulturedElegance]

Well said!

[@pamnelson2377]

Carolyn, hands down.

[@amandalee280]

90s Prada 😘

[@SusanB16]

These styles are amazing. Especially CBK ❤

[@wuzzyfuzzy8572]

For me the most stylish label was Prada and muse wise. Probably Carolyn bessette Kennedy and model wise- kate Moss😊

[@DeloresRoberts-s4c]

I wish I had saved my 90s clothes.

[@manisen1274]

Thank you for sharing the runway clips in your video. The clothes beautifully draped the models. While there’s a resurgence of 90s minimalism in fashion now, the fit is more loose with cheaper materials.

[@DM-xj6se]

This afternoon I found your channel and am enjoying myself. I still own my 90's leather jacket, several sweaters, gloves, hats, and accessories. I still wear them. Of course, other pieces have been donated thru the years also. I've added here and there and look at my wardrobe as 'my' collection. I've never wanted to be 'just like so&so' but did have my instructions from two grandmothers who knew the difference between style, fashion and trends. The 90's had some wonderful pieces, if only we knew what was to come. Great memories. Thank you for your video.

[@shidehhafezi6826]

If I knew what was to come I would have kept all my clothing from the 90s.

[@CulturedElegance]

Aw thank you so much!!! Loved reading your comment

[@marionannmacredie]

Thank you for a superb video!! It reminded me of how much I loved living through 90s fashion 🙏🏻💞

[@CulturedElegance]

Aw thank you! Of course!! What a blessing!💖

[@blackandgo]

LOVED this video! Great mood board vibes.

[@CulturedElegance]

Thank you so much!! So glad you liked it

[@LeeDavi2024]

My favorite was Carolyn Bassett Kennedy she was Flawless

[@tooothdecay]

I love the Dido and DnB soundtracks with the minimalist looks going down the runway. Perfection!

[@pagethreemodel]

My favourite era of fashion ❤❤

[@denesecarberry8826]

All of this still looks relevant

[@joanreynolds955]

When I see all those big ‘90s models, I immediately go to George Michael’s Freedom videos.

[@megnelli]

I would love to see a chocolate and mocha version of this amazing analysis.

[@CulturedElegance]

So glad you liked it!! Great idea

[@roseannepryor7220]

I love your videos! This one is great!!!👍

[@CulturedElegance]

That means so much!! Thank you!!🙏

[@Theturtleowl]

When I was little, I thought the 90's were boring. Now I realise that the 80's were just so over the top, now I understand that people needed a decade with more chill than glitter.

[@stache1954]

A wonderful period.

[@Uno.minimalist]

Dope vid, love 90’s minimalism

[@chynnagurl6]

This is such a great video !

[@GH-fb9dh]

That was a great and well researched video! Thanks, Faith

[@CulturedElegance]

Thank you so much!

[@Msmatayful]

Спасибо за это интервью! Люди должны услышать и сделать выводы, еще есть шанс все изменить. Не надо обижаться на неприятные вещи, которые сказал эксперт, надо действовать !

[@jakecavendish3470]

I have to admit I prefer the flamboyance and structure of the 80s, which was also more flattering for the hour glass figure and the older figure- no coincidence 80s style persisted for women like Joan Collins who weren't quite the string-bean racehorse type in the 90s. Mid-90s minimalism was certainly elegant, at least if you were on the slimmer side. For me the fashion for poker-straight hair usually worn down at the back kind of made it look a bit washed-out, as did the generally slim and plain jewelry, but those 90s minimalist clothes with softer hair, bigger jewels and a bolder maquillage would still look great today.

[@josephinekassongo4368]

I totally agree with you! My favorite decade in fashion is from the mid 80s until the mid 90s. The clothes of this decade are wearable for slim and curvy women and made you feel FABULOUS ! Everything was well though out. From the hair to the shoes. Just pure art! And the models were absolute professionals of beauty with a lot of charisma. Each model brought something to the runaway. The late 90s were a bit bland for my taste. But it was a deliberate choice from the fashion industry.

[@jakecavendish3470]

@@josephinekassongo4368 Yes, I can see why they reacted against the flamboyance of the 80s (although I guess Armani was already doing minimalism in the 80s). For me a lot of 80s womens' wear was proper couture and could be fitted off-runway to a range of ages and body types whereas 90s minimalism was often dependant on the length and proportion of the drape which didn't work so well if you weren't a tall slim figure so it was a bit more "off the rack." Plus, as you say, it is often a little bland. A lot of 30s evening clothes, which minimalism was similar to, understood the problem better and put embelishment and structure at the hem or one shoulder of the dress to offset the plain drape of the bias cut etc, and relied on chunky bracelets and necklaces, waved hair and carmine lips for the overall look

[@josephinekassongo4368]

@@jakecavendish3470 Hi! I agree with you about the 30s fashion. I'm not the biggest fan of the 'everyday wear' of that decade. Too strict for my taste. But the evening gowns were splendid ! The silky fabrics that followed the body lines where soo beautiful! Unfortunately, I don't know many designers of that decade... I think, in clothing, everything has to do with the jewelry and the embellishments that finish the look, as you mentioned it. And yes, in the 90s, fashion relied a lot on the physique of the models. The models made the clothes appear bigger than life. And that's why the industry couldn't follow that dynamic anymore. But since the supermodels faded away, we can see the lack of '' vavavoom '' in the shows since the late 90s. It also has a lot to do, I think, with how people dress at work and in their daily life, especially mature people, parents. Life nowadays doesn't make it easy to wear flamboyant clothes. People commute, have to go shopping, put their kids to day care or school and don't want to risk wearing beautiful clothes with the bad smell from public transport or some stranger staining it. I personally think like that 🤭. And at work, women dress very classic and strict and don't dare to be as feminine as before in order to blend in the workforce. I think they are wrong. You also mentioned it, Armani made fantastic classy and beautiful toilettes for women at work. 80s Armani is actually the brand I'd go for to dress for work! How amazing would it be if women dressed like in Dynasty (maybe without the furs 😂) or even like in majority of the early 90s shows. Now, there's a revival of 'vintage' in order to bring more flavor to fashion but all the decades are blended in one trend now. I don't know if that's a real avant-garde move. But we'll see.

[@pbpartygirl]

Amazing video! Who is the beauty at the four minute 55 second mark?

[@CulturedElegance]

Thank you so much!!! Unfortunately, I do not! But hopefully someone who does will respond to your comment!

[@kimberlyperrotis8962]

Modeling is hard, unpleasant work, in reality. I miss the days of pretty models, so many seem downright ugly these days, maybe it’s their angry, scowling expressions.

[@annaschruf4415]

Früher waren die MODELS Viel schoener wie jetzt.........

[@jameswood6121]

these clothes look beautiful on beautiful bodies

[@Ellen_mcg]

and this decade we likely won't be remembered for all the decades where we mimicked all the other decades as we experience the end of the world as we know it. Fortunately.

[@carolyna.869]

It's so hard to imagine that Beaty used to be valued-- in personal appearance and models-- considering what people-- Especially models-- look like today. Hopefully we can bring back beauty to the mainstream!

[@deelot1]

No tattoos either

[@tj-s6328]

Very true

[@Audrey_1929]

Gwyneth ❤

[@p.1019]

model: Kate Moss / designer: Tom Ford

[@DóraTubik]

where can one find some great pieces like these?

[@CulturedElegance]

Thrift shops are a great way to find these pieces!! That is where I enjoy going

[@Nikanikoloz1]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️

[@GH-fb9dh]

12:56 does anyone know where the brown bag is from?

[@CulturedElegance]

It's an Hermes Bolide

[@GH-fb9dh]

@@CulturedElegance thank you, dear!

[@carriearlante8927]

🖤🖤🖤

[@dimplesd8931]

I loved the 90’s fashion. I remember wearing a Donna Karen bodysuit and her wide legged fisherman pants. I still have Helmat Lang and if I could fit in them I’d wear them today. Hopefully my teenaged girls will wear them someday. I credit Giorgio Armani and Halston for starting the trend in the 70’s. PS Love CK but saying the cost of the model is the reason the clothes were/are expensive was BS. If what he said was true the new “nepo-models” like Bella, Kendall and Kaia wouldn’t be a thing and they wouldn’t be the highest paid.

[@jchow5966]

Kt was all about The Gap for me. Kt was gun and easy to shop and be fashonablr.

[@Pixie330-r1y]

Armani - by all means - Armani

[@HausOfAdonis]

I love how these men got jealous that women/ runway fashion models were making more money an hour than them, so they had to “cap” their hourly wages 🙄🙄😏 for modeling… if these men were earning the same wages doing less, they would be going out of their way to justify it.

[@guldenaydin9918]

💝💐💝💐

[@Pinkranger87]

If think about now. The designers made the supermodel and supermodel made the designer's.

[@stephaniestanley8041]

I know the models did and do make money, but the physical requirements of meeting runway shows and editoral shoots are grueling.❤

[@McFlecmatic]

Jil Sander as the Inventor of this Style is Not mentioned once- the disrespect is real

[@npdvvecchi7181]

Armani was first .

[@monag.769]

Could be from 2023😊

[@extrastout1741]

🤍💙🤍

[@chrsitineadriaenssen6074]

I hate this colourless stuff!!!Borring😂

[@TiffanyHamill]

Not androgynous... subtlety sexy ; not overwhelming or garish

[@mystrength5640]

The extra large sized Clothes of 2021- 2023 have been awful! One’s waist is supposed to shown off! Impossible with Clothes 2 Sizes too Big!

[@CulturedElegance]

Well said

[@pbj6606]

Gwenyth Paltrow copied the looks from Carolyn Bessett one to one. I think all the clothes she wore didn't look good on her because of her sloppy posture. The clothes doesn't compliment her body but just hangs and sags in all direction. That goes to show how posture and the way you hold yourself brings the clothes alive and not the other way around. That's why these Supermodels are Supermodels and people want to look like them.

[@EllieD.Violet]

Gwyneth Paltrow: one of the most overrated persons of the last 50 years. Mediocre talent, mediocre looks, mediocre style, as interesting as a glass of stale water. Otherwise just a (real or faux*) esoteric promoting self declared 'wellness guru' promoting stuff that can be truly dangerous to one's health. Thank heavens we here in the EU 🇪🇺 (hence most of Europe) have consumer protection regulations protecting us from such crap. *as in only pretending to believe herself in the stuff she flogs

[@hinaynihorvath3926]

I don't want to

[@MarinaVV]

She didn't copy anyone. She always had her personal style.

[@MarinaVV]

Carolyn had sloppy posture. Not Gwyneth

[@MarinaVV]

Carolyn had sloppy posture. Not Gwyneth

[@JustOneDress]

When will the fashion industry be vegan? Wearing fur, wool, silk, and leather is barbaric. Youre not a "minimalist" if youre wearing and eating animal products.