Image courtesy of BHLDN
Hello, and welcome to Part 3 of your guide to all vintage moods! We’ve already tackled the 1940s and 1950s last week in Part 2, and the 1920s and 1930s in Part 1 the week before that. We’re now moving towards the more familiar times – you’ve seen the images on TV (Beatlemania!), and some of your mums were probably kids or young ladies during the 1960s or the 1970s. We are, in fact – secretly, longingly – hoping that the trend for the 60s in weddings makes a comeback at some point soon… it was such a tremendous decade, with so many breakthroughs, and would be such a fun theme to base your celebration on.
The Swinging Sixties
Image from vintagebrides.tumblr.com
The TV show Mad Men is renowned for, among other things, the tremendous amount of research that goes into each episode for everything you see – from the shoes to the hairstyles and everything in between. If you’ve wondered why the women still look so very ‘fifties’, it’s because the revolutionary – and shocking to some – miniskirt didn’t take off until 1966. However, the 60s still started with a momentous event in fashion history – the invention of Dr Martens boots. Loved by rebels and brides alike, their influence on footwear cannot be underestimated. The Beatles released their debut album in 1963, and the Rolling Stones in 1964. So the world of Austin Powers movies belongs really to the mid to late 60s – but they sure packed more fun into just a few years! For the guys, Beatlemania influenced more than just music, with suits, shoes and haircuts all being named after the four Liverpool lads. Fashion historians mention some interesting things – for example, fewer accessories worn by women, as the new colourful fabrics made quite a statement.
Above, clockwise from top left: Donna dress by Shop Ruche | 1960s bridal sewing pattern via Pinterest | Ravi gown by Daphne Manivet | Gardener gown by Lara Hannah
Key looks from the 1960s
• short dresses and skirts
• shift dresses were tremendously popular, but fitted styles were also worn
• go-go boots
• bold patterns and bright colours
• knee-high socks and Mary Jane shoes
• the ‘Twiggy look’ – long and lean
• pillbox hats popularised by Jackie Kennedy
• young gents’ clothes finally acquired more colour
1960s hair and make-up
For the 1960s woman, it was all about the eyes. Heavily lined, lashes as full as can be (fakes were very popular), with noticeable eyeshadows – dark or boldly coloured. Such eyes looked best in a pale face – although summer tanning was becoming a popular pastime, with skin damage warnings still some way off in the future. To let the eyes do all the talking, the lips had just a touch of colour in a pale shade. To match the freedom in fashion, the hairstyles followed – it was no longer a single strict style, but a more personalised affair. Hair was worn loose, or in the ‘flip’ style just like Jackie Kennedy’s, there was also the bouffant, and the ‘bob’ look too. Finally, women were able to choose a style that best complemented their look. And it wasn’t just the girls – the guys could wear their hair longer at last, thanks to those adorable mopheads – The Beatles.
Above, bride Criona made her jacket from an authentic 1960s Burda sewing pattern – Image from Thomas Prior Hall real wedding by Michelle Prunty
Best movies about the 1960s
Hairspray – both the 1988 and 2007 version, what a blast!
Dirty Dancing – this 1987 cult classic needs no introduction
That Thing You Do – made in 1996, a store of four lads from Pennsylvania who go from amateurs to uber famous in a blink of an eye, it’s a good one to watch for the guys clothes, and great fun besides
Austin Powers – as already mentioned, this 1997 trilogy definitely has the 60s turned up to 11 – but interestingly, that’s how many people think of that era
Made in Dagenham – set in 1968, this 2010 film tackles some of the issues the working women had to face towards the end of the decade, well worth a watch
Image from Rathsallagh House by Insight Photography
The Seventies – The ‘Me’ Decade
With the youth making major waves in the 1960s in everything that mattered – social issues, fashion, music – the momentum only increased in the 1970s. The ‘me’ movement was very much influenced by the USA, where the focus on self, and on forging one’s own path in the world away from the parental influences was a chief preoccupation of many. Yes, there were the drugs, the ‘flower power’, the psychedelia, and all those things that have by now become true clichés of the era. In Britain, the decade got a bad rap for economic upheavals and difficult social issues. But it was also a decade of accomplishment on other fronts – Indira Ghandi and Margaret Thatcher were the notable names in politics, with leading feminists Gloria Steinem and Betty Ford making sure women were heard. It was also one of the most momentous decades in music, bringing everything from Led Zeppelin and folk to disco and AC/DC to the mainstream. There was also much unrest due to the Vietnam War. A tremendous time to witness, it also had its very own fashion agenda. The 60s stylish and fun look had morphed into something entirely else, with the hippie look evolving even further with the addition of platform shoes. The wrap dress was introduced in 1972, became a huge hit and still flatters women today. Glam was in with all that it entails – sequins, lamé, feather boas, statement hats, hot pants, even leotards, and of course, let’s not forget huge sunglasses. For men, three-piece suits were all the rage – just like Tony Manero wore in Saturday Night Fever (see best movies, below).
Above, clockwise from top left: 70s-inspired gown by Delphine Manivet | Kate gown by Shop Ruche | Elanette pantsuit with feathers by Rivini | Demure sandals by BHLDN
Key looks of the 1970s
• that polyester look – shiny, modern, in stunning colours, for both men and women
• the ‘peasant’ look, with lacy off-the-shoulder blouses and full maxi skirts
• halterneck tops
• overalls
• punk – essentially all that’s black, ripped, safety-pinned, and fishnetted
• ethnic patterns and embroidery
• bellbottoms
• pants for women
• earthy colours from the late 1970s – browns, beiges, blacks, whites
1970s hair and make-up
The natural look continued on from the 1960s into the 70s, with some beauty historians noting that women now faced an interesting dilemma – they wanted to be liberated yet still wear make-up. The cosmetics companies met this demand by advertising their products as “natural” or “invisible”. Looking natural didn’t mean giving up on grooming, however, with shaped eyebrows and glossy hair very much in vogue. While fake lashes gradually disappeared from general use, as did heavy eye make-up, eyeshadows in various colours were widely used. Disco had tremendous influence on make-up – to be noticed on the dance floor, glittery eyes, glossy lips and strong blusher were de rigueur. By far, the most iconic image of the 70s has to be the hair – the feathered flip style worn by Farrah Fawcett was the most-wanted style, or Cher’s long, straight, glossy, envy-inducing mane. In general, women wore their hair loose and free, parted in the middle, or sculpted into big styles with the requisite flip. Just look at the TV stars of the day – Charlie’s Angels, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, and of course, Dallas. This is an ideal style for a boho bride.
Above, clockwise from top left: Mosaique earrings, Camellia Capeline hat, Boho Bib necklace, all by BHLDN | 70s-inspired gown by Delphine Manivet
Best films about the 1970s
Saturday Night Fever – the one and only, actually filmed in 1977 when disco was everywhere, a white polyester suit never looked so good, plus you get a look at what women wore to go out and boogie in.
Austin Powers in Goldmember – it’s 2002 imagining what the 1970s looked like – much more colourful of course, but piles of fun all the same.
When Harry Met Sally – made in 1989, it’s at par with Dirty Dancing (above) for must-watch status. Meg Ryan’s hair in the opening scene is to die for.
Come back next week for the final instalment of our guide – all about the 80s and 90s!
