Final answer:
During the Post War and Cold War periods, menswear was less characterized by a 'lack of inspiration' and more influenced by the utilitarian, conformity-driven ethos of the times. This reflected the broader cultural climate of disillusionment and conservatism, shaping the more functional and modest approach to men's fashion.
Step-by-step explanation:
Regarding the notion that a "lack of inspiration" is characteristic of Post War and Cold War menswear, it's important to understand that menswear, like other forms of expression, was influenced by the cultural and socio-political climate of the times.
After World War I, there was a noticeable shift in attitudes, with many intellectuals feeling a sense of disillusionment and a collapse of confidence in the principles of rationality that had prevailed since the Enlightenment. This sentiment is captured in the works of the Lost Generation, a group of writers who expressed their disenchantment with society.
Amidst this backdrop, menswear may have mirrored the prevailing societal attitudes, focusing on functionality over luxury as seen in the more uniform and less ostentatious clothing of the time. It was not so much a "lack of inspiration" but rather a reflection of the social and economic conditions, where opulence took a backseat to modesty and practicality. The cultural shift towards minimalism and away from the flamboyance of earlier times can be seen as a response to the experiences of war and the subsequent need for a return to order and normalcy.
The Cold War period also maintained a utilitarian approach in menswear with a focus on conformity and avoiding extravagance, in part due to the culture of surveillance and fear of being labeled unpatriotic or sympathetic to communism. In summary, Post War and Cold War menswear was less about a lack of inspiration and more about the social values and pressures influencing the aesthetic norms of the era.