Fashion in Twenty-First-Century Havana

Before 1959, the Cuban economy was in the hands of the private sector. With the arrival of revolution, the eventual nationalization of private property changed the way people lived. In 1960, the Cuban government nationalized department stores, manufacturing plants, warehouses, banks, insurance companies, sugar mills, and private health clinics. Since the nationalization process did not happen overnight, clothing-and shoe-store owners were able to meet the demand of their clientele who used to dress in the latest American and European fashions.