Swinging 60s
At Mindthis Magazine, we’re always about understanding the subtext of everything you’re doing. Don’t just blindly follow trends but understand why exactly are ruffles in every chic soho boutique fashion store. Cue our ongoing content partnership with Baset Noir, a fashion boutique than sells not only the latest but also insists fashion is a narrative you project on to the world. We’re covering major fashion icons throughout the decades to help you understand your wardrobe choices just a bit more.
–Shaaz
Co Founder Mindthis Magazine
Like it or not, the saying ‘history has ways of repeating itself’ holds true more than you could ever know. Sure its ways are always different and as human beings we tend to learn from our mistakes (at least some of us do), so there’s always a different outcome, but the main source of our inspiration for anything really seems to always blend with past historical events and time periods. Such is the case with fashion. A little detail here and there borrowed from the past can go a long way into making an outfit look flawless. Well this season, it looks like the monochromatic details and geometric prints that marked the 60s are having a revival of their own.
A total blast from the past, the shapes and colours that once dominated the 60s are all over today’s outfits adding a dose of fun into the gloomy days. An era known for the IT girl, girl groups and the beehive hairstyle was an era where brilliant women like Jane Birkin, Brigitte Bardot and Audrey Hepburn walked this earth. So here’s our praise to the remarkable figures of the swinging 60s who challenged the society and started paving the path for women empowerment.
Eddie Sedgwick
We can’t help it, somehow we’re drawn to the tragic figures. Their rise and fall is amusing to say the least and we’re not saying this in a bad way. It’s just that the controversial life of such a figure can teach us a thing or two about life choices. The life of Eddie Sedgwick was always interesting for a spectator and as it turns out was also a focal point for many art pieces created by Andy Warhol. The IT girl of the 60s had a signature style so slick that’s relevant today just as much as it was 40 years ago. Bareback dresses were her go-to-piece, stripes, black tights, leopard printed furs and oversized earrings that complemented her pixie cut.
Jackie Kennedy
Portrayed as a little bit vane in the latest biopic “Jackie”, Jackie Kennedy was never considered to be one of the most beautiful women, but without a doubt she was always the most stylish one. Sundresses, women suits and pearls were her thing and she truly made them work for her, gaining a loyal fan base of women all over the world, copying her style.
Jane Birkin
Simplicity and naïveté is what comes in mind when you think about Jane Birkin. Her demure attitude and simple, minimalistic French style are far from what defined the swinging 60s and yet still she’s an inspiration to so many designers decades after her heyday has passed. The peasant tops, flare denim and simple sundresses are her signature style and still as relevant today as they were back in her time.
Cher
What Madonna was for the 90s, Cher was for the swinging 60s. Perhaps the most controversial artist of the 60s, her unique style choices paved the way for so many women today. Her gypsy, sort of Bohemian look included exposed midriff, sequin tops and flared pants. Her raspy deep voice and unique costume choices made her the queen of the 60s and an icon to many, especially for the LGBT community. She celebrated differences and that’s why we love her so much and have a deep respect for her art.
Don’t be fooled by the bright colors of the swinging 60s, because although this period had a candy like appearance it’s far from the sweet and innocent 50s. The 60s were the start of the rebellious movement in fashion. It’s a decade where artists and especially women became comfortable with experimenting. Sure the light colors and composed looks dragged throughout the whole period, but there was something that lingered in the air that woke up people’s eagerness and willingness to experiment. It’s an interesting decade mostly because people chose to exit their comfort zone and perhaps that’s why fashion this season chose to honour it by bringing back the boxy silhouettes and the vivid colours. We say, Hallelujah…
Take a walk through the Swinging 60s and check our latest arrivals at Bastet Noir for more inspiration.
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