Designer Dresses Go Rad

Designer Dresses Go Rad

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Often referred to as the "Me Decade", the 1970s are best known for anti-couture fashion. This was the era of tie-dyed clothes, loud floral tunics, Nehru jackets, bell-bottom jeans, and earthy designer dresses. Fashion in the early years of the decade remained heavily influenced by the mid-1960s hippie movement; bright colors were the rage, as were eye-watering patterns. The mini skirt gave way to midi and maxi dresses, and the off-the-shoulder peasant look gained popularity.

The designer most closely associated with this era was probably Kenzo Takada, whose "East meets West" designs combined his native Japanese influences with Parisian culture. Kenzo drew inspiration from all over the world, mixing Western and Oriental folk influences to create fluid lines, unusual prints, clever accessories, and ready-to-wear garments made with unprecedented craftsmanship.

Another influential designer of the time was Sonia Rykiel, who made figure-hugging knits and, in 1974, created her signature look of pullovers with reversed seams. Rykiel"s creations were dominated by knitted garments, rhinestones, long boa-like scarves, and little crocheted hats. Many considered her the second coming of Chanel.

The 1970s was also notable for the emergence of an identifiable African-American influence upon fashion. Sometimes called "radical chic", it was borne from the blossoming Civil Rights movement and a new appreciation for (and pride in) African heritage, including an embrace of Afro hairstyles. This fashion was vividly reflected in the Blaxploitation films of the 1970s such as Get Christie Love!, Foxy Brown, Shaft, and Uptown Saturday Night.

Meanwhile, London was simmering a unique fashion evolution, based upon the rising popularity of the punk music movement. In 1971 Vivienne Westwood opened a London boutique named SEX, which offered fetishistic accessories and clothing sporting black rubber and steel studs, fashion elements which came to characterize the anti-orthodox punk rock movement.

In direct response to punk fashions, a polar opposite fashion style emerged that promoted a nostalgic, English countryside-hued femininity, best reflected by the designs of Laura Ashley, who favored long flounced skirts and high-necked blouses in traditional floral prints, accessorized with crocheted shawls. Laura Ashley originally established her business in 1953, selling headscarves. By the time of her death in 1985, the company"s clothes and fashion influence had given way to a hugely successful home furnishings design business.

During the 1970s in the United States, designer jeans and slacks became ubiquitous. Designers like Calvin Klein and Ralph Lauren made sportswear ultra chic, and their designer dresses reflected this modern twist. Like yin and yang, the rise of sportswear was countered by Halston"s philosophy of creating glamorous designs reminiscent of Hollywood in the 1930s, but made to be modernly comfortable. His kaftans, lightweight shift dresses, and tunics worn over shorts and wide-legged pants became must-have fashions for the jet-set crowd that populated Studio 54 during its heyday.

About the Author:
For the latest summer fashions, including party dresses and evening dresses, visit TrinaTurk.com, where you will find designer clothing, accessories, and designer jewelry.



Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com


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