1990s fashion was shaped by the sweeping changes happening across the UK. It was a time of economic recovery, the rise of the internet, and rapid technological growth. Naturally, the world of fashion felt these changes too. Princess Diana remained a style icon; her bold outfits inspired stylists to create new collections and mix styles that once seemed completely incompatible. But what about 90s fashion in Birmingham, the UK’s second-largest city? Find out more at birminghamka.
Popular Styles
In the 1990s, Birmingham earned a reputation as a “city of youth”. Its large student population, including both locals and those from overseas, created an energetic, dynamic atmosphere. Even then, Birmingham was seen as a progressive metropolis, and its residents were keen to dress fashionably and follow the latest trends. Thanks to the city’s cultural diversity, mixing styles became particularly popular. Here are the three main styles that defined the wardrobes of Birmingham’s fashion-conscious in the 90s:
- Grunge. Decades earlier, this style would have been seen as harsh, something only British rock musicians would wear. But in the 90s, that all changed. Grunge captured the spirit of freedom and rebellion that defined the era. The more careless and unkempt an item looked, the more popular it became. Key elements of the grunge style included ripped jeans, faded t-shirts, baggy shirts (especially plaid), denim, and leather jackets. Another crucial detail was chunky footwear, like combat boots.
- Sportswear. Previously, sportswear was strictly for its intended purpose: going to the gym. In the 90s, that rule went out the window. Brummies started to prioritise comfort, and sportswear became a staple of everyday outfits. The most popular items were brightly coloured windbreakers and sweatshirts, leggings, and hoodies. Trainers with chunky platform soles also became incredibly popular.
- Minimalism. This style’s influence was seen in the lack of loud colours in the outfits of city dwellers, as well as an absence of excessive accessories or decoration. The key minimalist features were simple silhouettes, high-quality materials, and clean, understated design.
What’s interesting is that Birmingham’s style-conscious residents masterfully combined elements from all three of these seemingly contradictory styles. For instance, young people would wear faded, oversized t-shirts paired with baggy jackets and bright leggings. Yet, in a nod to minimalism, they would often avoid bright accessories or colourful prints.
“The Clothes Show Live”
The annual “The Clothes Show Live” event had a huge influence on fashion in Birmingham during the 1990s. It was a large-scale exhibition and fashion show. From 1992, “The Clothes Show Live” was held at the National Exhibition Centre (NEC). The event had one key feature that set it apart from other fashion shows: it was focused on real people, not on a world of glamour and exclusivity. At “The Clothes Show Live”, the public could discover work from local designers as well as invited guests.
The average Brummie could easily find a complete look for themselves from the items on show. Crucially, the clothes were also affordable. Models on “The Clothes Show Live” catwalk championed the idea of comfort. You would almost never see them in high heels – just comfortable options like court shoes and boots.
Despite the simplicity of most items featured at “The Clothes Show Live”, designers also showcased more original creations. For example, the audience was captivated by one particular outfit, which went on to be featured in British fashion magazines for years. The dress and hat looked as though they were made from paper, and the entire look was reminiscent of the famous American Statue of Liberty.
“The Clothes Show Live” continued to be held at Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre until 2017. The event inspired locals to be bold, encouraging them to experiment with their style and express themselves.
90s Trends That Became Iconic
Some 90s fashion items were so loved by Brummies that they are still a common sight in wardrobes today. Here are a few of them:
- Oversized clothing. This style won over Brummies with its comfort and practicality, and it hasn’t gone out of fashion in over 30 years. For example, at the popular city-centre shop, “The North Face Birmingham”, people are always queueing for its stylish, roomy jackets.
- Everyday tracksuits. Since the 90s, these items stopped being exclusively associated with the gym and became a core part of the everyday Brummie wardrobe. The city has many shops selling trendy sportswear; “Warwickshire Clothing”, for instance, has been a popular choice for years.
- Crop tops. This wardrobe staple exploded in popularity in the 90s, when they were often worn under baggy shirts, denim jackets, or sporty windbreakers. To this day, crop tops remain just as popular.