Vintage fashion is more than a trend-it’s a cultural movement.
In the UK, searches for “90s fashion,” “vintage designer collections,” and “iconic runway moments” continue to rise.
Why?
The 1990s gave us some of the most unforgettable collections.
It also counts as the year of supermodel moments in fashion history.
This article explores the legendary runway shows and designers that shaped the decade, from Versace’s glamorous baroque prints to Marc Jacobs’ rebellious grunge.
Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 (Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis Fall 1990, 1990).
The Rise of the Supermodel Era
Let’s dive into the world of 90s iconic fashion collections and discover why these moments still influence vintage style today.
The early 90s marked the birth of the supermodel.
Designers like Gianni Versace, John Galliano, and Marc Jacobs didn’t just create clothes- they created cultural icons.
Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista became household names.
Their presence on the runway turned fashion shows into global events and made designer collections must-have items for style enthusiasts everywhere (V&A, 2024).
Versace Fall/Winter 1991: Glamour, Baroque, and Bold Colour
Versace’s Fall/Winter 1991 collection is legendary.
Gianni Versace fused ultra-sexy silhouettes with bold colours and intricate baroque prints.
Photo by omid mostafavi
The show’s finale was unforgettable: Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Christy Turlington, and Linda Evangelista walked arm-in-arm to George Michael’s “Freedom! ‘90.”
This moment cemented the supermodel era and made Versace a symbol of 90s glamour (Vogue, 2024; V&A, 2024).
GIANNI VERSACE I Sipari Print Skirt Suit F/W 1991/92
Versace’s use of gold, jewel tones, and ornate patterns set new standards for luxury.
His designs were unapologetically bold and empowered women to embrace their individuality.
The collection’s impact is still felt today, with vintage Versace pieces highly sought after by collectors and celebrities alike.
Marc Jacobs’ 1992 Grunge Collection for Perry Ellis: Rebellion on the Runway
In 1992, Marc Jacobs made fashion history with his grunge collection for Perry Ellis.
He sent models down the runway in vintage-print dresses, raglan tees, and oversized flannels.
These pieces were styled with chunky 90s Dr. Martens boots, which you can still find on eBay.
Birkenstocks and beanies completed the look, capturing the spirit of Seattle’s music scene and youth rebellion.
The fashion press was divided.
Some critics called the collection “sloppy,” but Jacobs’ vision resonated with a new generation.
His embrace of thrifted style and anti-fashion attitude marked a turning point.
Grunge became a global phenomenon, and vintage stores saw a surge in demand for flannel shirts, slip dresses, and combat boots.
Today, the 1992 Perry Ellis collection is considered one of the most influential runway moments of the decade.
It proved that fashion could be accessible, authentic, and deeply personal.
Free to use under the Unsplash License
John Galliano Fall/Winter 1994: Drama, Detail, and 90s Glamour
John Galliano’s Fall/Winter 1994 collection brought drama and artistry to the runway.
His designs were elaborate, with intricate details, luxurious fabrics, and historical references.
Supermodels like Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer wore Galliano’s creations, blending 90s minimalism with old-world glamour.
Galliano’s theatrical approach pushed the boundaries of fashion.
He drew inspiration from Victorian and Edwardian eras, reimagining corsets, bustles, and lace for the modern woman.
The result was a collection that felt both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
Vintage Galliano pieces from this era remain highly collectable.
They represent a time when fashion was about storytelling and self-expression.
Gucci Fall/Winter 1995: Tom Ford’s Sexy Minimalism
Gucci’s FW95 collection, led by Tom Ford, marked a new era for the brand.
Tom Ford, Carine Roitfeld, and Mario Testino formed a creative team that changed 1990s fashion.
They worked together on bold campaigns that challenged industry norms and drew global attention.
Roitfeld styled Ford’s collections and campaigns, while Testino captured the visuals. Their campaigns often featured provocative themes (CR Fashion Book, 2025; Wikipedia, 2025), sparking both controversy and conversation.
Some of their work was even banned in certain countries for being too daring. A standout moment came in 2003 with a Gucci campaign that disrupted the fashion world (nss G-Club, 2019).
Ford, Roitfeld, and Testino’s approach proved that bold ideas can drive results.
According to Vogue, Gucci’s sales soared by 90% after their collaboration began, showing the power of striking campaigns (CR Fashion Book, 2025).
Their legacy highlights how creativity and risk-taking can transform a brand’s image and success (This Is Glamorous, 2019).
Ford introduced sleek silhouettes, velvet suits, and daring cut-outs.
His vision was sexy, confident, and unmistakably modern.
The collection’s impact was immediate.
Celebrities and style icons embraced Ford’s designs, and Gucci quickly became a symbol of 90s luxury.
Vintage Gucci from this period is now a staple in the wardrobes of fashion-forward collectors.
Tom Ford’s influence extended beyond the runway.
He redefined what it meant to be glamorous in the 90s, blending minimalism with sensuality.
Comme des Garçons: "Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body"
Rei Kawakubo’s 1997 collection for Comme des Garçons, known as “Body Meets Dress, Dress Meets Body,” challenged traditional ideas of beauty.
The designs featured padded lumps and exaggerated silhouettes, forcing audiences to reconsider the relationship between clothing and the human form.
Get inspired on Pinterest: The 90s Fashion avant-garde approach was groundbreaking.
Kawakubo’s work inspired designers to experiment with shapes, materials, and construction.
Her influence can still be seen in today’s most innovative fashion collections.
Vintage Comme des Garçons pieces are prized for their artistry and originality.
They are a testament to the power of fashion as a form of creative expression.
Why 90s Fashion Collections Are Still Trending
The 90s were a time of experimentation and self-discovery.
Designers weren’t afraid to take risks, and their collections reflected the cultural shifts of the decade.
Streetwear, grunge, preppy styles, and high glamour all coexisted, creating a rich tapestry of influences.
Today, UK shoppers search for “vintage designer dresses,” “retro 90s streetwear,” and “iconic supermodel looks.”
The appeal of 90s fashion lies in its authenticity and versatility.
Whether you’re drawn to Versace’s opulence or Marc Jacobs’ rebellious spirit, there’s a '90s look for everyone.
How to Find & Style Vintage '90s Pieces
Finding authentic vintage 90s fashion requires patience and a keen eye.
Start by researching the designers and collections that resonate with you.
Look for reputable vintage boutiques, online marketplaces, and auction sites.
When styling vintage pieces, mix and match eras for a modern twist.
Pair a Versace baroque blouse with high-waisted jeans, or layer a grunge flannel over a slip dress.
Don’t be afraid to experiment-90s fashion was all about breaking the rules.
Remember to check the garment sizing and the vintage clothing piece's condition carefully.
Vintage clothes often fit differently than contemporary styles, so always review measurements and care instructions before buying (Shopify, 2025).
The Lasting Legacy of 90s Iconic Fashion Collections
The 1990s changed the way we think about fashion.
Designers like Versace, Jacobs, Galliano, Ford, and Kawakubo redefined style for a new generation.
Their collections still inspire today’s designers, stylists, and vintage enthusiasts.
As you explore the world of vintage fashion on our Blog, let the spirit of the 90s guide you.
Please Support our Vintage Y2K Concept Store on TikTok!
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Embrace diverse prints, daring silhouettes, and the freedom to express yourself.
After all, the most iconic moments in fashion are the ones that break boundaries and celebrate individuality.
References
CR Fashion Book (2025) ‘A Complete List of Tom Ford's CR Fashion Book Moments’. Available at: https://crfashionbook.com/a-complete-list-of-tom-fords-cr-fashion-book-moments/ (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
irvrsbl. (2021). Gucci: The Tom Ford Era. [online] Available at: https://irvrsbl.com/en-gb/blogs/news/gucci-the-tom-ford-era#:~:text=With%20nothing%20to%20hide,once%20again%2C%20that%20sex%20sells. [Accessed 14 May 2025].
Youtube.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=__mT9vAPX_4 [Accessed 14 May 2025].
Youtube.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WasCh3bev1A [Accessed 14 May 2025].
Youtube.com. (2025). Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9RZoxj5HNA [Accessed 14 May 2025].
nss G-Club (2019) ‘Muse: Carine Roitfeld’. Available at: https://www.nssgclub.com/en/lifestyle/18670/carine-roitfeld-story-vogue-paris (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
Marc Jacobs for Perry Ellis Fall 1990 (1990) [Photograph]. Wikimedia Commons. Available at: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/42/Marc_Jacobs_for_Perry_Ellis_Fall_1990.jpg/1054px-Marc_Jacobs_for_Perry_Ellis_Fall_1990.jpg?20200910004223 (Accessed: 14 May 2025). Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Shopify (2025) Closet Full of Treasures? Here's How To Sell Vintage Clothing. Available at: https://www.shopify.com/uk/blog/211022217-sell-vintage-clothing-online (Accessed: 13 May 2025).
This Is Glamorous (2019) ‘9 Coffee Table Books to Buy this Fall’. Available at: https://thisisglamorous.com/2019/09/9-coffee-table-books-to-buy-this-fall.html/ (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
V&A (2024) Top 10 Naomi Campbell looks. Available at: https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/naomi-campbells-top-10-looks (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
Vogue (2024) Versace Fall 1991 Ready-to-Wear Collection. Available at: https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/fall-1991-ready-to-wear/versace (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
Wikipedia (2025) ‘Mario Testino’. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mario_Testino (Accessed: 14 May 2025).
