is a four-part landmark television event from CNN Original Series that examines how America’s changing style through the decades has mirrored the political, social, and economic DESIGNERS climate of the time, shaping the unique American identity and • Diane Von Furstenberg influencing the rest of the world. American Style explores how fashion is deeply rooted in the way society works, from fans • Tommy Hilfiger emulating Hollywood or sports stars to entire subcultures • Jeffrey Banks defined by style choices. SUPERMODELS AND ACTORS • Christie Brinkley • Vanessa Williams

FAMOUS FASHION CRITICS • former Vogue editor Andre Leon Talley • and Emmy-winning host “ Tim Gunn (Project Runway) Will guide audiences through major – THE HOLLYWOOD REPORTER changes in history through the lens of fashion showing us who we are through what we’ve worn. Fashion has always connected us and this enlightening and nostalgic series celebrates fashion as a fundamental form of self-expression. American Style comes at a time during which we find fashion choices increasingly in the spotlight of social criticism; particularly, in American politics. The series gives audiences a front row seat to the runway of American history. From the 1940s to present day, the series examines major changes in the history of the United States through the lens of fashion: from ORIGINAL BROADCASTER: CNN (USA) watershed moments including the invention of New York Fashion ORIGINAL PRODUCER: Vox Entertainment, Doc Shop Productions Week, which miraculously occurred in the midst of World War II, 4 x 60’ MIN to the use of fashion as a tool for protest. American soldiers go to war and women go to work. The influence of Hollywood expands, the economy grows, and the fashion world transforms. 1950s America, amidst an unprecedented expansion in prosperity and consumerism, feels pressure for conformity as paranoia over a growing Cold War builds. Fashion trends included the bikini, shoulder pads, zoot suits and the white tee as popularized by James Dean and Marlon Brando.

A new president and a new sense of confidence bring great changes to society. The youth culture comes into its own, and fashion, like politics, will go to extremes. Out of the turmoil of the era, new subcultures will emerge and demand equal rights and recognition of their own unique identities. Fashion trends included the mini skirt, space-inspired clothing, disco attire and all black outfits as worn by the Black Panther Party. The Reagan presidency ushers in a new era of optimism which leads to extravagance, excess and eventual greed. Brands capitalize on the spending while Wall Street capitalizes on the public. In the urban centers, marginalized communities are finding new ways to express themselves that will forever change American identity. Fashion trends included sequins, big hair, leotards, and gold chains inspired by Hip Hop.

As the millennium ends, fashion pushes back against the excess of the 80s and women make strides in the workplace and the media. In the 2000s, a new decade brings a brave new world in the form of the internet and social media, drastically changing almost every aspect of American life and identity. Fashion trends included grunge, heroin chic, and the hoodie as worn by Treyvon Martin and Mark Zuckerberg.