As Concordia commemorates five decades as an institution, take a look back at its history through the evolving fashions of its students. From the bold, rebellious styles of the 1970s and the statement-making looks of the 1980s to the eclectic mix of the new millennium, photos from the university’s Records Management and Archives illustrate how Concordians have both mirrored and shaped the trends of their time.
Braving the ice and snow, Concordia students keep warm in shearling and fur, tailored coats with wide collars and plaid fabrics. One individual stands out with a horseshoe moustache, square aviator glasses and a shag haircut, while another opts for a bold metallic jacket. As synthetic textiles gained popularity, fashion experimentation became more accessible.
British rock icons such as the Beatles and the Rolling Stones popularized mod and shag haircuts, which later made way for the mullet.
Against this backdrop of evolving style, a group of Concordia students — dressed in utilitarian coats, wide-legged and flared pants, and tall boots — take part in the 1979 Winter Carnival snow sculpture contest.
At the 1974 Science and Engineering Open House, a student sits in front of electronic equipment, pairing a turtleneck sweater with wide-legged jeans. As feminist discourse began to challenge normative beauty standards in the 1970s, many women embraced a more natural and comfortable style.
At a graduation party, attendees channel goth and new-wave fashion. Two individuals embrace Victorian-era influences by accessorizing their shirt collars with jewellery.
The scene is a mix of oversized androgynous suits, slicked-back hair and lightning bolt earrings.
Students here wear winklepicker-inspired shoes — including a pair in a bold leopard print — a staple that still appears in today’s goth subculture.
Brands like Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren and Tommy Hilfiger played a key role in the rise of casual dress and preppy sportswear, reflecting an aspirational lifestyle. In this 1991 Homecoming photo, Stingers fans celebrate at Loyola Stadium during the Shrine Bowl football game.
In a nod to another hallmark of the era — the beige desktop computer — student staff members of Volute: Concordia Fine Arts Magazine hold up their special CD-ROM issue.
Casual Fridays became a fixture of North American office culture in the 1990s. Recognizing an opportunity to redefine corporate attire, Levi’s developed “A Guide to Casual Businesswear.” The pamphlet encouraged a new corporate aesthetic, recommending khaki pants and polo shirts, among other relaxed-yet-polished options.
Denim, denim and more denim! Below, students stroll across Loyola Campus wearing jeans and flannel shirts, highlighting grunge fashion and the pared-down aesthetics of 1990s minimalism — a transition away from the bold patterns and statements of the previous decade.
Mario Ciaramicoli, BEng 02, then president of the Engineering and Computer Science Students’ Association, wears a bucket hat and analog sports watch.
From the 1980s to the 2000s, companies like Timex and Casio pioneered innovative features that transformed some watches into wearable computers, laying the groundwork for today’s smartwatches.
Minimalist, slim-fit silhouettes continued to dominate formal wear and smart casual attire in the early aughts. Below, Co-op students acquire experiential learning experience at the Canadian Space Agency in 2004.
Students pose with Stingers football players who helped them move into Concordia’s residences in 2017.
By the late 2010s, straight-leg denim emerged as a trendy alternative to skinny jeans. Meanwhile, street-style photography elevated sneakers as a key element of the “high-low” look, where casual and dressier pieces are paired together for a stylish contrast.
At Concordia’s annual Parents Tent, students embrace a new cycle of fashion by mixing pieces inspired by past trends: grunge, boho and late-1990s revival, among others.
In recent years, as consumers have become aware of the environmental toll of fast fashion, many have turned to sustainable alternatives like thrifting and upcycling.
Influencers on social media and second-hand shopping platforms offer inspiration with creative outfit ideas that showcase unique pieces. In response, fast-fashion brands have begun to replicate thrifted items and the personal style they represent.
© Concordia University