1960
Adlai Stevenson denounces the sack as Russian propaganda.
In July, Yves Saint Laurent's Fall "Beat" collection for Dior is attacked as vulgar and scandalous by the French press. Drafted into the French Army in September, he suffers a nervous breakdown and is discharged two months later.
Mattel introduces Barbie, the first fashion doll.
1961
Inauguration of John F. Kennedy. During the next three years, Jacqueline Kennedy's patronage establishes Oleg Cassini and Roy Halston.
André Courreges presents the first couture miniskirts in Paris.
1962
In London, Mary Quant introduces the first vinyl dresses and coats, and British Vogue endorses the thigh-high miniskirt.
Yves Saint Laurent opens his own couture house in Paris.
1963
Diana Vreeland becomes editor-in-chief of Vogue, and soon coins the word "Youthquake" to describe the fashions of the times.
1964
Courréges' "Space Age" collection.
Rudi Gernreich's topless bathing suit, the "Monokini," is banned from American beaches.
1965
Paraphernalia, the first "Mod" boutique in the U.S., opens in New York.
Yves Saint Laurent opens his ready-to-wear boutique Rive Gauche.
1966
The sixteen-year-old Twiggy wins the "Face of the Year" contest, and her modelling career is launched.
Biba, the first "Retro" boutique, opens in London.
Paco Rabanne's first collection , "Twelve Unwearable Dresses," includes "chain mail" made of linked plastic discs.
Yves Saint Laurent introduces the Midi coat, worn over Micro-Mini skirts.
1967
The Hippy look emerges during San Francisco's "Summer of Love."
Roland Barthes' deconstruction of the language of fashion, The Fashion System, is published.
1968
Surveying the denim-clad students in the streets of Paris during the "events of May," Yves Saint Laurent suffers a major design crisis.
Vogue advices readers: "Show the world how groovy you can be."
Pronouncing the era of haute couture over, Balenciaga closes his house.
1969
The rock musical Hair opens on Broadway.