The 1970s Kaftan

The kaftan, introduced in the 1960s by the hippies and originating from other ethic groups like the western countries. They were a fashion phenomenon commonly worn in these hotter countries as loose flowing robes and then eventually made their way to around the world cities as mainstream fashion, in the next decade, with the help of designers like Yves St Laurent, launching them.

In the mid-70s these kaftans became more of a home style wear and provided comfort to the body. Although in the late-70s they diversed into becoming glamorous evening wear due to their causal-free style.

Although in modern day we may look at this picture and talk about how it is too old-fashioned, the kaftans were back on trend this summer 2014, used as over layers. However you could say the busy, retro prints for the common kaftan have died down decades on, as we wouldn't often see one quite as outgoing as the one in this image, in our everyday high street store today.

The greatest punk rock band of the 1970s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pOe9PJrbo0s

Here is a link to get a feel for one type of very popular music in the 1970s: Punk rock. This video shows, who I believe were the most well discovered punk rock band of the time: Sex Pistols. They were an English band that formed in 1975, who were responsible for the punk movement in the UK and who inspired numerous punk musicians later in the decade. Sex Pistols have been titled one of the most influential bands in history. Here they are singing one of their greatest hits: Anarchy in the UK.
Punk rock was inspired through the idea of rebellion and creating chaos through music. The common aim was to create dark, bold and loud sound...as you can tell they definitely lived up to this! Not only their music but as well their overall style was always outgoing and edgy through both clothes and hairstyles.

Stunning sixties style icon

Jean Shrimpton, most commonly known in the 1960s, when she broke out into the modelling scene at only 17 years old. She was quickly considered one of the worlds first supermodels. She was an icon of 'Swinging London' and appeared on many covers, including Vogue, Elle and Harpers Bazaar. With this in mind, I think it is fair to say she was truly iconic in the 1960s world of fashion.

 'The Shrimp' as she was commonly nicknamed was credited for some monumental fashion firsts, including being the first to launch the ever popular mini skirt in 1965.

Jeans natural beauty and effortlessly chic style is, in my opinion, what then and even now keeps the public interested and inspired. She always managed to pull off that vintage style, that we have all desired at some point.

Campervan craze!

Campervans or often nicknamed 'hippy vans' originated from the 1960s. They have gained this nickname purely as the stereotype is that the subcultural 'hippies' owned and lived in them first. You could say they were a very popular trend at the time, used for both fashion and function. This has followed through to our decade, even if our campervans aren't so extravagant! Campervans nowadays are often used as a way of transport to special occasion events, like weddings and proms more than a way of everyday transport unlike the use of them in the 60s. The appearance of the campervan in the 60s was much a reprehensive of the clothing at the time. Loud, vibrant colours and outgoing patterns was commonly interpreted. Floral was very popular, as you can see from this photograph!!

Four trends in one

I found this 1950s photograph on pinterest today. I thought it was fantastic as it captures so many of the different 50s trends within one picture which makes it a powerful image. The first 1950s trend I spotted within this photograph was the big coat with the fur joined at the neck. Fur was a widely used fabric in them days, seen on most upper class women. This trend has been brought through to modern day with adaptions. A second trend interpreted is the satin gloves, also worn by most upper class women in the 50s. This may have been for functional purposes or aesthetic purposes. The gloves created a very formal, sophisticated look for women. A highly exaggerated and desired trend was the hourglass figure portrayed in this photograph. Throughout the 50s this was the only body shape women really aimed for. Finally I noticed a beauty aspect of this picture, which was the hair. The hair is commonly stripped back, away from the face, as show in this image. It implied a soft, feminine appeal.

1950s inspired duvet set caught my eye!

I spotted this 1950s inspired pin up girl duvet set in Asdas supermarket yesterday. The uniqueness of it caught my eye, as I have never seen bedding in this style before. I particularly liked the detail in the pin up girls as it is very accurate, through the clothes they are wearing which are both form fitting and feminine. It highlights a significant trend of the time. Bright colours was also a big trend of the time which is also interpreted into this duvet set. The background of this duvet involves poker dot which was a common trend in the 1950s/60s. I would definitely purchase this duvet set for my own bedroom. I believe trends like this always come back around, whether that's throughout years or throughout decades.