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1970s recap and reinvention

Mackenzie Anderson
Sep 28, 2015
4 min read

1970-

The 1970s were filled with the androgynous hippie look and was often referred to as the “me decade.” Polyester was the staple fabric of the time and bell-bottoms and fringe could be seen on a daily basis. The 1970s was all about being free and not letting “the man” get you down. This was such an electric decade and the clothing really captured it. Women were seen wearing pants to the workplace on an everyday basis. The wardrobe consisted of fun patterns and outlandish colors; orange and brown were the color must haves of the time. They were protesting the war all while creating one of the most iconic wardrobes. All music festivals are rooted from the 70s era as well as all the fun festive wear. The original cropped top came from this decade along with the flower headbands. Separates came to light and platform heels were a women's love. The 70s was a time of free living.

To really understand the 70s you have to understand the icons that made this decade an amazing one in fashion. The 70s were full of iconic people that ruled the decade with their classic looks that emulated everything this era stood for. They slayed in street style and caused a trickle affect with their fashion choices. Designers of this decade also shined. Giving us all this crazy fun fashion that included bold prints, flared pants, wrap dresses and more. The style inspiration that everyone can’t help but admit to admiring, or even replicating for Halloween at least once. (Side Note: if your anything like me then its more like 4 times) is all thanks to the designers of the 70s.

To name just a few icons and designers that stood out to me:

Bianca Jagger-

socialite Bianca Jagger became a fashioninsta in the 1970s the second she rode into Studio 54 on horseback in an off-the-shoulder gown. She was known for her love of white and all over glamorous style. She turned into a style icon for the ages.

Ali MacGraw-

She was the perfect mix of New England prep and bohemian goddess, Ali McGraw not only dominated the 1970s thanks to her role in the movie called “Love Story” she also ruled the decade with personal style. MagGraw wowed during the decade in everything she wore.

Jacqueline Kennedy-

The former First Lady and my first pick for this decade. Maybe best known for her style during her time in the White House in the 1960s where she rocked A-line silhouettes, Chanel suits, and pillbox hats. But for me I have always been particularly in awe over her more relaxed style during the 1970s. She always demenstrated such a classic coolness in this decade.

Cher-

Cher released an overwhelming amount of albums in the 1970s (10 to be exact) meaning, that she was absolutely everywhere. From the crazy prints to insanely chic perms, she tried every trend the decade had to offer.

Diane Von Furstenberg-

Diane made her now-iconic wrap in 1974; her goal to create a relaxed, silk jersey dress that could suit every woman's body with ease. Originally only available in a small range of Seventies prints. She contiuned to grow and by 1976 Diane had sold over 5 million of the dress worldwide, building a lasting fashion empire in the process.

Biba-

Barbara Hulanicki's London boutique Biba made one heck of a selling on bell-bottom power suits and smock dresses in bright colors, all at affordable price points. Barbara made one killer suit, and thanks to new mail orders women from all over could enjoy her designs!

Now that we hit the keys points of what the 1970s had to offer us (at least through my eyes), let's take a look at how this decade still makes it's way on today's runways. The look of the 70s was such an iconic one that it is constantly reinvented and reinterpreted in today’s fashion. This year in New York's fashion week for Spring 2016 I found the 70s were reinvented two different way one being a more an obviously shout out, and the other a hidden salute to the era.

For many it was evident the 1970s was an ongoing trend for Spring 2016. Fringe was sent down the runway by many designers during New York’s fashion week. It was displayed in a more modern take, elegantly meshing todays style with the beloved style of the 70s fringe. Embellishments on clothing and accessories were a huge part of this reinvention, many designers adding fringe hemming to the bottom of skirts, tops, jackets, shoes and handbags. While other fringed looks took center stage with their entire ensemble made from the 70s go to style.

Fringe on the runway:

A little less of an obvious trend that hit the runways that reminded me of some elements of the 70s style was all the orange that was being worn. "Orange Is The New black" isn’t just a hit show on Netflix anymore, but an actual trend for Spring 2016. Orange was seen all over the place. Many may interpret this trend differently as the style of the actually garments are not 70s inspired, but rather just the color. For me when I saw that color hit the runway, it instantly reminded me of the orange that ruled the 1970s.

Orange on the Runway: