It's Only Rock and Roll - How did 70's Musicians Influence Fashion?
Written by Rana Belle
Sex, drugs and rock and roll. A phrase I’m sure we’re all familiar with; a broad insight into the honoured hedonism and revered debauchery of the 1970’s musical scene. Led by rock legends like the Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Jimi Hendrix and Fleetwood mac, this was an era of freedom; of unapologetic self expression - however taboo or controversial that may have been. This modern, post-world war, aesthetic was entered around the sex revolution, the new feminist movement (the beginning of intersectional feminism) and the hippie movement. As expected, this avant garde notion and perception of society made way for some notable changes in fashion and style. From flares and jumpsuits to peasant skirts and platform boots, it's safe to say that this was truly an age of individuality and the abolishment of the calculated and strong set societal standards. There was a change, not only in music and politics but also in fashion, but how on earth did Joni Mitchell’s dresses and Stevie’s boho-witch style impact the future of fashion?
Glam Rock, Baby:
I have one word to describe this subgenre of rock fashion: David Bowie. Think glittery eyelids, bright metallic colors and 4 inch latex platform boots. The glam rock movement was essentially non-existent in music until the day Ziggy Stardust (Bowie’s iconic musical alias) was born. The iconic photoshoot shot by Masayoshi Sukita, with Bowie dressed in predominantly red, his makeup complete with celestial glitter and donning a wide leg pinstripe jumpsuit designed by the one and only Kansai Yamamoto, paved the way for the popularization of this style. It was new, unseen and unusual; inspired by science fiction, recent discoveries in astronomy and cocaine (lots of cocaine); the people loved it. Though Bowie is undoubtedly the king of glam rock, other stars such as T. Rex and Marc Bolan also gave a helping hand in spreading this new notion. Obviously a lot of the main elements of the glam rock style era are far too extravagant for a trip to the grocery store but it still has a significant impact over the world of High Fashion. It was one of the major influences of the 2019 MET gala theme: Camp, notes on fashion. If there was ever a single style to describe what camp meant, it would be Glam Rock, so it's no surprise that Sophie Turner, Gigi Hadid and Priyanka Chopra arrived on the red carpet covered in glitter and looking like they came straight out of another dimension.
Tale of a Gothic Romance:
Take a trip over to the dark side, it’s much more fashionable here. Don’t believe me? Just search up “Stevie Nicks Fashion” and you’ll find yourself falling in love with her effortlessly mysterious Victorian gothic outfits. During her run with Fleetwood Mac, the queen of rock graced the stage with the most enchanting dresses (and shawls!). Draped in lace and chiffon, tops hats and a blonde fringe, put together with black platform boots and wing-like sleeves, it's no wonder people referred to her as the “coven supreme”. The term “icon” may be overused but if there's ever been a single person we can justly use it for, it's Miss Stevie Nicks. There was something so free-spirited, so sensually mysterious about her sartorial statements; it was impossible not to be in awe of her style. Gothic romance seems to be back in vogue, especially overlaying lace dress shirts with colour block corsets, but we all know that Stevie set the standard. For the millennial generation, Nicks’ style has been revamped by several designers. Hedi Slimane at Saint Laurent and Kate and Laura Mulleavy at Rodarte both created collections with a modern edge to the singers unforgettable fashion. In 1997, Anna Sui made a tribute collection, honouring Stevies influence within the fashion community. Nothing says style legend like being used as a muse for a collection that went down in history, right?
Folk-Goddess Chic:
Hippie fashion? Boho fashion? Peasant skirt and honey colored shawls? In other words, Joni Mitchell in the 70’s. The boho princess would don free flowing silk dresses and bra-less loose t shirts, half tucked into a peasant skirt, finishing the look with her striking blonde hair and the world would fall to her feet. Her trademark jewels would usually have been picked up at a market during her traveling and she opted for softer, light colored lines that flowed freely. She could make anything look good, her effortless hippie style paving the way for a lot of the trends on the runway today. Back in 2014, it was practically impossible not to notice the Joni Mitchell effect on the runway. Celine, Valentino and Dries Van Noten used the earth goddess as a muse to create beautifully boho collections. It seems that her style has always been at the height of cool, in the 70’s and for Gen-Z. Peasant skirts, the thrifting craze and the return of faux animal skin jackets takes us right back to the music scene of the 70’s, with the ethereal Joni at the center of it all. In 2015, Yves Saint Laurant named her as the face of their spring summer collection, a bonafide legend who has, no doubt, changed the fashion scene forever. I mean, wouldn’t we all give anything to watch her perform on stage, dressed in a classically mustard colored dress and her iconic guitar?
