The 70's look is about to hit stores in Spring/Summer 2011 and even though I didn't think I would be a fan of this era as a fashion statement...the more I look into the trends, the more excited I get! It's all about floppy felt hats, earthy tones, exotic jewels, super-high platforms, tailored clothes nipped in at the waist with tasseled or gold detail belts, silk blouses worn tucked into high waisted trousers, Studio 54-esque flowing silk disco gowns and the all important brown-tinted sunglasses. I love getting inspiration from the catwalk shows and it gives you a good idea on what to look out for on the high street. There are two sides to the ‘70s revival: the glamorous ‘70s look from chic New York club Studio 54 and the softer 70s which is more like a Farrah Fawcett look with chiffons and paisley prints
I love the above Gucci looks which draw inspiration from Studio 54, the more glamourous/sexy side of the 70's trend using bold, confident colours. I'm in love with the gold tassel belts that pull the first three looks together...I think I need it in my life! There's a slight tribal edge to the trend this season and the last look above demonstrates that beautifully.
Gucci featured sky-high stilettos mixing velvet and suede with jewel and gold colours. The perfect shoe to team with a slinky maxi dress! There are already alot of styles on the high-street that mimic these lovely sandals.
Maxi dresses are going to be huge for the summer and as seen in the Pucci (Peter Dundas) shows, it's all about silk, chiffon and anything flowing. It's all about fluid lines and femininity but Pucci chose to toughen up the look with extreme lace up, woven boots which actually works really well and appeals all the textured fabrics that are being used.
How gorgeous is that sheer white and blue patterned maxi dress above?! Although I doubt my boobs would fit in the top part!ha ha. Note the tan coloured strappy sandals with metalwork detail. There will be alot of brocade and intricately woven fabrics around as shown in the shorter blue dress above. Tassels and fringing will also be massive and will feature on waistcoats, jackets, belts, bags and shoes. There will also be emphasis on sheer fabrics for dresses and blouses so it's up to you if you're comfortable to bare all or not!
The above Ferragamo metallic maxi dress just screams 1970's disco to me and I could imagine Bianca Jagger wearing this in her hey day. The fabric looks so rich and luxurious, I'm sure there will be alot of spin offs of this design in the high street shops.
Elie Tahari concentrated more on daytime looks with earthy tones, over the knee suede boots, textured fabrics and nipped in waists.
Daytime 70's is all about clean yet voluminous silhouettes:
High waisted wide-leg trousers or flares, neatly belted in.
Neat pussy bow-blouses with loose, billowing sleeves in silk, chiffon and satin.
Roll necks worn with layered beaded necklaces.
Suede or leather hot pants worn with textured, light woolen tights.
A flattering printed/plain jumpsuit.
Sheer jersey fabrics and Broderie Anglaise will be big
I love this ad campagin for Koton, it has such a confident and cool vibe to it. Also, it featured flared jeans or bellbottoms as they're also known which are making a huge come back this season. It's important to get the fit right if you are going to rock the flared jean. Make sure the jean is a snug fit all the way down to your knee or the effect could be unflattering. It's an easy way to give a nod to the 70's trend without going all out.
Jumpsuits in soft fabrics are also going to be big and there's going to be loads of gorgeous accessories around to pull the outfit together. Stilettos are probably the best thing to team with a jumpsuit if you are planning on wearing it out at night. It's not the easiest piece of clothing to pull off so the high heels will give you the height and correct posture required to rock the look.
Night-time looks consist of shimmering/metallic fabrics that drape/cling over the body.
• High sheen fabrics with a metallic, including lurex or silk.
• Ruffled necklines under a blazer, paired with a tailored pair of trousers.
• Long, flowing gowns that skim body contours with draping, low necklines or slits uo the sides
Sky high stilettos or platforms to complete the look
The look below is so wearable for Spring/Summer, inexpensive and very easy to get hold of. Most people have a plain fitted white shirt so all you need is a floppy felt hat, 70's style shades, flared jeans, an earthy toned oversized clutch and possibly 70's style platforms or wedges. I really like this look because it's effortless but really cool.
An even more subtle 70's inspired look is to wear an A-line suede skirt in an earthy tone as shown below. This can be teamed with your everday casual clothes and ballet pumps but it just adds that extra bit of texture and interest to your outfit, whilst updating your look to the current season. Easy! There's also also alot of leather or suede shorts around so that could also be an option.
Key accessories include:
Smart, high quality leather bags, smaller bags for nightime with a long strap
Statement leather belts with tassel or gold chain details over mini skirts or maxi dresses
Thigh-high boots made from suede in earthy or grey tones
Lots of rings with bold, colourful stones, bangles, strings of beads, chunky gold jewellery and long pendant necklaces.
So after all those inspirational pics, here's a quick look at some 70's inspired key pieces from three well known high street stores.
I especially love the sheer kaftan from Monsoon...so perfect for Summer and it would look gorgeous with the flares and tassel belt to nip in the waist. I'm now coveting those shades as well!
And now for some 70's makeup inspiration. I saw this shoot with model, Bianca Balti and it just seemed like the kind of makeup you would have seen in Studio 54. I love the shimmering lilac tone of the eyeshadow teamed with some serious contouring of the cheekbones!
And for some more 70's style makeup/hair inspiration, courtesy of Bianca Balti, here's a shoot from Spanish Harper's Bazaar...
This look is uber glamourous and I have some serious hair envy now! It's so voluminous and healthy looking!
And to round off the post in true disco style, here's the making of the Gucci Flora advert, which kind of encapsulates the whole flowing, feminine, glamourous, hazy summer feel to one side of this trend. Whenever I think of disco, Donna Summer's 'I Feel Love' is the first song that enters my head. There have been various remixes of this song over the years and I think it's one of the best songs ever written, if only for the fact that it inspired so many other songs off the back of it. Enjoy!
Will you be indulging in the 70's trend?
