Home > Sustainable fashion > The Fascinating Evolution of Fashion and Personal Styling

The Fascinating Evolution of Fashion and Personal Styling

Dive into the fascinating evolution of fashion styling, from the court of Marie Antoinette to today’s digital age. Discover how styling has evolved and learn how to build a sustainable wardrobe with Sparkpick’s personal stylists and life coaches.

Fashion and personal styling have exploded in popularity recently, but their roots go much deeper than you might think. From the opulence of Queen Marie Antoinette’s court to the convenience of digital styling today, the journey of personal styling has been nothing short of extraordinary—and you’re a part of it!

 

A Quick History of Styling

18th Century: The Birth of Celebrity Styling

Styling as we know it began with celebrities—specifically, in 1772, when Marie Antoinette, the last Queen of France, met Rose Bertin. Rose, who rose from humble beginnings to become a renowned French fashion designer, became Marie Antoinette’s personal stylist. The Queen became the first to embrace “haute couture,” transforming fashion into an art form.

Marie Antoinette and the history of styling

 

 

1960s-70s: The Rise of Fashion Stylists and Image Consultants

The first stylists were magazine editors, who managed photoshoots and styled models. In the 1970s, image consulting gained popularity, thanks in part to John T. Molloy’s 1975 book, Dress for Success, which discussed how clothing impacts personal and professional success. The book was so influential that TIME Magazine called it America’s first “wardrobe engineer.” Its success led to a bestselling sequel, The Women’s Dress for Success Book, in 1977.

Sparkpick-features-brief-history-of-fashion-styling-Dress-for-success-book
 

1980s-2000s: The Era of Fashion Editing and Ray Petri

 

The 1980s saw the emergence of the term “fashion editing,” which referred to selecting and styling clothes on a model. Freelance stylists began to flourish, often working for top fashion magazines. Ray Petri, a pioneering British stylist, championed the Buffalo movement, which blended diverse cultural references with high fashion. His work focused on the look and shape of garments, rather than their labels, democratizing fashion for everyone.

The 1990s and 2000s witnessed rapid growth in the styling industry, from the rise of personal shoppers to the emergence of celebrity styling in Hollywood. Styling courses also began to appear in European universities, further cementing the profession’s legitimacy.

 
Sparkpick features History of fashion styling Ray Petri
 
 

Today: The Digital Age of Fashion Styling

Today, fashion styling is no longer just for celebrities—it’s accessible to everyone! Services like Stitch Fix offer affordable styling, allowing customers to receive curated looks from over 1,000 brands.

Sparkpick features Stitch Fix in personal styling and eco fashion

 

Our platform, Sparkpick, is another exciting development in the world of personal styling. As sustainability and minimalism gain popularity, we provide curated looks featuring eco-friendly brands. At Sparkpick, you can also work with our life coaches, transformational guides, and personal stylists to refine your style and boost your confidence.

Whether you’re looking to understand the history of fashion styling or need help building a sustainable wardrobe, the journey of personal styling continues to evolve. And the best part? You’re already on it!

Like the curation? Share it.

Learn & shop

Shop sustainable clothing while learning about its positive impact on the planet.