This is a picture of me taken in the very early 70s when I was very young. It’s hard not to zero in on that wonderful bumble bee pull toy but this is a fashion site, and I ask you to notice the fabric of my rather straight-forward jumper, which is a paisley pattern of light blue on a fern green background.
This jumper I’m sure sustained hundreds of washings and it does look a little faded. But it was a product of a time when fabric was very bright and exuberant, and I wanted to highlight some of the more interesting and memorable patterns from those days.
To get us started, I found some delightful examples of the kind of high-graphic prints that made the 1960s and early 70s so much fun. You can still purchase old remnants and fabrics by the yard at a handful of stores specializing in vintage fabric, and these were the readily available textiles used to make everyday clothing, handbags, and home décor items.
From Revival Fabrics, here’s a black and white Op Art design on a cotton-rayon blend.
This is a light-weight cotton pique with a fantastical floral design in just three basic colors.
http://www.vintagefabricaddict.com/catalogue/cotton-pique-1960s-yellow-vintage-fabric
The profiles of this period were so simple – a-line dresses, boat neck sheaths, pencil pants, boxy jackets – and could handle such loud and bold prints. Here are some basic, comfortable pieces in cotton: a bikini by Emilio Pucci and a shirt dress by Penthouse Gallery, fabric designed by Catherine Ogust.
http://www.etsy.com/listing/41939338/vintage-70s-catherine-ogust-penthouse
And then there were the truly exceptional dresses that were made to be looked at and admired, constructed from valiant fabrics of silk, jacquard, and linen. You can just picture them worn with extra-wide pearl necklaces, bouffant hair, and coral lipsticks.
Found at the venerable Shrimpton Couture, this effervescent Tina Leser dress in silk twill has an elegant print with considerable personality.
This smart and sexy cocktail dress makes good use of the dazzling Asian jacquards that were so in vogue. Available at Couture Allure.
A Gino Charles cocktail dress, tailored in an elegant profile (with pockets!) is made from a luxurious gold-threaded brocade, combining 60s energy with a refined shimmer. Also from Couture Allure.
The simplicity of this Jane Andre cap-sleeved sheath dress so ably handles the bold presence of the enormous flowers on the linen fabric.
Two designers specifically stand out to me as carrying on this indelible spirit of energy and joy today: Lisa Perry and Trina Turk. Perry specifically designs a line of clothing based on paradigms of the 60s, focusing on mod. Trina Turk, who is headquartered in Palm Springs, articulates a colorful bohemian aesthetic, which often features 60s styles. Both make me want to jump up and do the watusi and the mashed potato.
Lisa Perry A Go-Go:
http://www.shop.lisaperrystyle.com/product.sc?productId=320&categoryId=66
Trina Turk, encouraging us to sip cocktails by the pool:
http://www.trinaturk.com/p/6713/c/463/s/530/Expression-Long-Dress.aspx
