Le smoking tuxedo suit

Definition

Le smoking tuxedo suit, often simply referred to as a smoking jacket, is a formal evening wear piece that is characterized by its fitted silhouette, satin lapels, and often features a shawl collar. This style emerged as a popular choice for men during the 1960s and 1970s, embodying the shift towards more relaxed and individualized styles in formal attire, reflecting the cultural revolutions and social movements of the times.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The le smoking tuxedo suit was popularized by designer Yves Saint Laurent in the 1960s, who redefined women's evening wear by introducing tuxedo suits for women, blurring traditional gender lines in fashion.
2. This tuxedo became a symbol of elegance and sophistication during the 1960s, showcasing a departure from the more traditional formal wear that emphasized stiff silhouettes.
3. The rise of youth culture in the 1960s led to more relaxed fashion norms, making the le smoking tuxedo suit an emblem of individuality and self-expression among young men.
4. By the 1970s, the le smoking tuxedo suit had become associated with nightlife and the disco scene, as it offered both comfort and style on the dance floor.
5. The design of the le smoking tuxedo suit often includes unique variations such as contrasting lapels or embellishments that reflect personal taste and fashion trends of the era.

Review Questions

• How did the introduction of le smoking tuxedo suits influence men's fashion during the cultural shifts of the 1960s?
  • Le smoking tuxedo suits influenced men's fashion in the 1960s by challenging traditional notions of formal wear. As youth culture began to rise, this style allowed men to express individuality while maintaining elegance. It marked a transition from rigid styles to more tailored fits that embraced comfort and personality, ultimately reshaping what men wore for formal occasions.
• Discuss the impact of Yves Saint Laurent's designs on women’s fashion through his reinterpretation of le smoking tuxedo suits in the context of gender roles.
  • Yves Saint Laurent's designs brought le smoking tuxedo suits into women's fashion, significantly impacting gender roles by challenging traditional expectations. By incorporating masculine elements into women's evening wear, he empowered women to embrace a more androgynous style while making a bold statement about gender fluidity. This movement encouraged women to redefine their identities through clothing, pushing boundaries and promoting self-expression.
• Evaluate how le smoking tuxedo suits reflect broader societal changes in fashion trends from the 1960s to the 1970s regarding individuality and cultural expression.
  • Le smoking tuxedo suits serve as a mirror to the societal changes in fashion trends from the 1960s to the 1970s by illustrating a shift towards greater individuality and cultural expression. As people began rejecting conventional styles and embracing more expressive forms of dress, these tuxedos became symbols of both sophistication and personal identity. This evolution highlights how fashion not only adapts to cultural revolutions but also actively participates in shaping societal norms around self-expression and inclusivity.

Related terms

Dandy: A man who places particular importance on physical appearance, refined language, and leisurely hobbies, often associated with a stylish or flamboyant manner.

Bohemian: A lifestyle characterized by unconventional or artistic pursuits, often embracing alternative fashions that reject mainstream aesthetics.

Disco Fashion: A bold and flamboyant style of clothing that emerged in the 1970s disco culture, emphasizing bright colors, sequins, and form-fitting silhouettes.