Trend Report: The 1970s
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Where It Started
Widely regarded as one of the most stylish decades in fashion history, the 70s was a time of seismic change both sartorially and culturally. After the tumultuous and revolutionary 1960s, brands and consumers chose to embrace a more eclectic, folkloric and gender-neutral approach to dressing to reflect the rebellious attitude of the time – skirts got shorter, platforms got higher, prints got wilder, and texture (think shearling, fur, corduroy and suede) was everywhere. The 70s also birthed some of the biggest style icons in history – think Jane Birkin, Bianca Jagger and Diana Ross – all of who continue to inspire designers working today.
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How It Came Back
When Hermès sent every model down its SS21 runway in a pair of clogs, the quintessentially 70s shoe quickly became one of the standout trends of the summer. However, plenty of designers have long looked to the decade for constant inspiration. Notably Gucci, whose collections since the start of creative director Alessandro Michele’s tenure have taken on a particularly 70s vibe. The brand’s ‘Winter In The Park’ editorial from early 2021, which starred Alexa Chung, actress Vanessa Kirby and singer-songwriter Celeste, is one such example – think giant sunglasses, patterned scarves and oversized prints which nod to style icons like Diana Ross and Jackie Kennedy. The 70s were also a consistent theme throughout the AW20 shows. From Celine and Chloé to Miu Miu and Khaite, there was plenty of shearling and suede, as well as swirled prints and even flared trousers. Even in the SS22 shows, the 70s still persisted – Etro, for example, featured hippy-esque dresses and kaftans in kaleidoscopic patterns, as well as lots of crochet.
Where To Find Inspiration
With a penchant for miniskirts, androgyny and all things vintage, ultimate cool girl Alexa Chung (and her namesake label) is a constant source of 70s inspiration. Unsurprisingly, French girls on Instagram are the ones to look at for outfit inspiration. Rouje founder Jeanne Damas is the embodiment of effortless, modern-day Jane Birkin; and few do a shearling jacket and flares better than Anne-Laure Mais. Additionally, the campaigns of brands like Sea NY & Ulla Johnson offer more contemporary takes on the look – the former with instantly recognisable crochet, and the latter with playful printed dresses and blouses in paisley and florals.
How To Get The Look
Getting the look is all about selecting one or two trends and mixing it with something more contemporary – wear too many at once and you risk looking like you’ve raided a fancy dress shop. Throw a suede jacket over a pretty dress to give it some edge or add a floaty blouse to corduroy trousers to give the fabric a more feminine finish. Alternatively, commit to a colour palette of rust, burnt orange and brown – they’ll all add richness to your autumn/winter wardrobe. Meanwhile, lighters shades of warm pink, burgundy and jewel tones offer a lighter take – especially when paired with dark denim and black leather – and if you invest in one thing, make it a shearling jacket. LouLou Studio, Totême and even Massimo Dutti have their own styles this season, and while they’re a bit of an investment, they’re guaranteed to add a touch of glamour to any look.
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