As we wrote in our previous article, clothes are a way of expression.
Especially in music, the image plays a major role and the stage appearances must be different from every day.
In fact, the ’60s was an important decade for fashion, as for the first-time clothes are oriented for young people.
The market power of young people has increased enormously, something that of course fashion houses cannot ignore.
The music scenes of the time, perceive it and become the voice of this generation, but also the main influence in fashion.
So, the second decade puts us in an era where, at least in terms of costumes, Rock has changed everything!
The decade begins with some strict dress codes such as that dresses had to be knee-length and plaid shirts with buttons were mandatory.
At the same time, young people had to wear sneakers and leather shoes, as jeans and sneakers sent you home.
The first big fashion movement of the ’60s comes from Great Britain, where the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and many others are in the spotlight.
Fashion that influences other artists such as The Doors, The Who, Deep Purple, The Kinks, and Steppenwolf.
Designer Mary Quant creates the iconic miniskirt in response to the conservative society.
Hot pants for girls, sometimes combined with go-go boots, men get long hair, beards, mustaches, and favorites.
Rock music is changing and so is fashion. Psychedelia enters our lives and fashion becomes anti-cultural.
In response to the Vietnam War, military uniforms change shape and are adorned with handmade equipment such as shirts, ties, and jewelry.
Psychedelia in fashion …
In the second half of the ’60s, the historic Woodstock Festival is organized.
Artists such as Jimi Hendrix and Janis Joplin influenced the “Hippie” movement that began in San Francisco, California.
Their appearances and psychedelic music are reflected in their clothes.
Loosely and baggy clothing for men and women, with bright colors and designs influenced by other cultures.
Bell bottoms, tunic tops, tie-dye prints, Nehru jackets, and blazers are becoming fashionable.
Many designers adopted all the psychedelic styles, but also the designs of African and Indonesian fabrics, as well as the colorful patches on the clothes.
Around 1966, the vinyl dress by the designer and engineer Diana Dew makes its appearance and opens the doors of a different fashion!
The striking thing about this dress is that it has a small potentiometer on its belt which could be tuned to the rhythm of the music being played.
Changes, evolution … Unisex!
In general, the 1960s were a politically charged decade, and many Folk artists opposed the war, racism, and government.
An era that will also be marked by the murder that took place at the Rolling Stones’ Altamont concert in December 1969.
The clothing choices of Bob Dylan, Tom Paxton, Joni Mitchell, reflect the America of the working class.
This will mean another change in Rock music and obviously in fashion as well. Dressing like a cowboy is becoming fashionable.
Jeans, military-style jackets along, with shirts from the West, have grown in popularity.
Leather vests and the classic cowboy hat are everywhere! In men and women.
Towards the end of the decade, unisex styles are becoming popular. It is clear that individual and free expression wins.
Young people, even if they come from conservative areas, want to be different from their parents and teachers.
All this leads to the most elegant and liberated, both musically and stylistically, decade.
The very interesting decade of the ‘70s.