The Sixties arrived, and with it a new era of pop and fashion. The revolutionary change in fashion reflected the era; it was time to set your spirits free! Changes were made within society, politics and culture. Young people were able to enjoy themselves and views on sex began to change. It was no longer an unspeakable subject and the introduction of the contraceptive pill brought about the idea of 'free love' this was reflected by the change of fashion. Mini skirts were introduced to emphasise the change in attitude. Mary Quant's boutique Bazaar was one of the first places to sell the mini skirt, in 1965. Andy Coureges, a French designer added the mini skirt to his collection at the same time, which evidently sparks the debate; 'who invented the mini skirt?' The 60s were a time dominated by the young, the post war baby boom resulted in a 'youth quake.'
At first it took a while for the mini skirt and the new found youth culture to catch on. Many people still remained small versions of their parents; an aspect that began to change at around 1965. The introduction of jazz brought about an element of culture that no one had yet experienced. Our fashion began to be influenced by the French. The old fashioned underwear was still being worn by the older generation, however for the young it was out with the old and in with the new. Underwear that complemented the mini skirt was introduced; women began to wear tights instead of stockings.
The 60s produced an obsession with the glamour of the 'American movies.' Many women opted for the bouffant hairdo to make themselves appear spectacularly glamorous. Men began to follow suit quite literally and shopped for style. John Stephan's men's shop on Carnaby Street could be said to be the male equivalent of Mary Quant's Bazaar. A typical 'Mod' look would be a tailored suit and slicked back hair. The iconic band 'The Beatles' hugely influenced the young who were transfixed by this new element of music and fashion. Men began to take more notice of their appearance than in previous years.
The summer of 1967 brought about a new fashion trend all together; the groomed, smart, tailored 'Mod' look was to be replaced by a relaxed carefree attitude towards dress. The 'Hippy was introduced, the look included long hair, beads, beards and kaftans began to appear. This was mainly sparked off by the campaigners who were against the war in Vietnam. Flower power took fashion to a whole new level, peace signs and tree huggers became a regular site for the people of this era.
In 1969 times had moved on, woman were offered an alternative to the bouffant long hair style. Short cropped hair became the next best thing as women became ever more independent. The 60s had taken a turn towards the psychedelic phase, bright colours and patterns dominated the last year of the 60s. The 60s had certainly set an example and fashion was ready to further evolve through the years.
