Defining 70’s

From disco glam and androgyny, to eco-conscious clothing, the styles that defined the 70’s are back–but is it really a coincidence we’re seeing the resurgence of bohemian era trends at a time that’s so historically similar? Disco glam, androgyny, and eco-conscious clothing–the styles that defined the ‘70’s are back. It should come as no surprise that groovy trends have resurged at a time so historically similar to that of the bohemian era.

DISCO REVIVAL

Bianca Jagger stole the hearts of young women everywhere in the 1970’s and has continued to influence present-day trends: bell sleeves, slinky metallic dresses, and choker necklaces are just a few examples of her notable fashions. Disco queen of New York’s famous Studio 54, companion to Andy Warhol, and muse to up-and-coming designer Roy Halston, Bianca Jagger is easily the “it girl” of 70’s fashion. Despite her reign as queen of the cool crowd, Bianca wasn’t the only celebrity icon pushing boundaries and inspiring contemporary fashion.

STYLE CHAMELEONS

If there’s one thing David Bowie is remembered for, it’s his use of fashion to create an alter ego: Ziggy Stardust, Aladdin Sane, Halloween Jack, and many, many, more. While Ziggy Stardust was established through over-thetop glam rock looks, The Thin White Duke took to the stage in more relaxed, polished ensembles. Known for morphing into many characters, Bowie used the transformative capabilities of clothing to personify various identities and inspired others to do the same. No stranger to reinvention, Miley Cyrus is a modern-day artist who has demonstrated time and time again her ability to transform herself–as proven by her recent rendition of “Heart of Glass” by 70’s rock band, Blondie. With her gritty vocals, revealing jumpsuit, and Rod Stewart-inspired mullet, the rebellious musician presented herself as a true rockstar and a fashion powerhouse while taking some style cues from this unforgettable decade.

MODEL

Lina Cronin

PHOTOGRAPHER

Megan O’Rourke

MAKEUP/PHOTOGRAPHER/MODEL Morgan McGarry

MODEL

Sydney Avery

PHOTOGRAPHER

Kendyl Woodruff

FASHION

Christina Saint Clair Belgian fashion designer Diane von Fürstenberg created her iconic wrap dress in 1974, a garment designed to suit every woman’s body type and provide maximum comfort. The classic style and silhouette is an enduring one, remerging on designer runways as well as our closets. Diane Von-Furstenberg’s wrap dress isn’t the only quintessential style that has emerged in 2021. The most recent Bottega Veneta show is just one example of 70’s fashion in the modern world–the scene looked more like the entrance to Studio 54 than it did to a modern day catwalk. Models were adorned in bright colors, patterned trouser suits, knit dresses, and silky slips as they jived down the runway.

FLOWER CHILD FROCKS

In a time of environmental angst and pollution disasters, barefoot bohemian earth goddess, Joni Mitchell became a proactive advocate for environmental change. She wore tie dye blouses and billowing frocks while urging mankind to make radical changes before it was too late. Celebrated by hippies everywhere, Mitchell also inspired the movement toward clothing with a more minimal impact on the planet. Fifty years after Joni Mitchell’s environmental anthem “Big Yellow Taxi” was released, the planet is at the forefront of social dialogue and fashion conversations once again. We’re seeing more natural fibers, recycled materials, and secondhand pieces than ever before as consumers demand brand transparency and environmental justice.

FASHION/PHOTOGRAPHER/MODEL Off-Cut Lottie

THE TRANSFORMATION OF WOMENSWEAR

Although glitz and glam had a considerable impact on 70’s fashion, certain celebrity icons questioned what really constitutes femininity. Film actress Diane Keaton distanced herself from the ultra-light fashion of the day by effortlessly mixing menswear into her wardrobe. Her neckties, baggy trousers, suit jackets, and vests often upstaged the Hollywood men she was surrounded by. Long gone are the days where women were considered trailblazers for donning a men’s suit and tie on the red carpet. Trouser pants, blazers, matching suit sets, and neck scarves have captured the attention of women everywhere yet again. Business women are not only wearing typical menswear in the workplace, but sporting coordinated tailoring in more casual aspects of life.

SEWN TOGETHER ARE THE PAGES OF HISTORY

The iconic 70s Swedish pop group, ABBA, said it best: “the history book on the shelf is always repeating itself.” We know that in many cases, one can predict the future if they study the past, and fashion is no exception. What’s in style speaks great volume to trends in society, politics, and the arts. Clothes not only help identify who we are, but also how we live at any given time. They balance on a very sensitive scale; a change in culture will cause a change in fashion. Just as famous fashion columnist and editor Diana Vreeland said, “Fashion is part of the daily air and it changes all the time, with all the events. You can even see the approaching of a revolution in clothes.” The main correlation between 1970’s and current fashion? The bold statements of rebellion and change. Whether this sense of liberation is embodied in a free spirited teenager wearing bell bottoms and listening to rock and roll, or a modern woman wearing a crocheted bra top at her local farmers market, one thing is consistent–the clothing we wear is a sign of the times we live in. So who knows, maybe we’ll be breaking out our leg warmers and shoulder pads next. Afterall, what was old can become new again.