In 1969 when the American astronaut Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the moon on July 20th, it was one of humanity's greatest achievements. He is credited with saying "that's one small step for man, one giant leap for man kind". The heated Vietnam war which many young people fiercely opposed, was still ongoing in 1969. It was also the time of intense protest due to the civil rights movement. People had the chance to unwind with music at Woodstock while also promoting harmony and peace. Jimmy Hendrix, Nash, and young, among other performers performed live at the most well known music festival of the modern era, "Woodstock" which took place on a New York farm from August 15th to August 17th. The music was performed by brands like Led Zeppelin, The doors and The Beatles. Military jackets designed with peace signs served as a fashion statement against the war, and headbands and long messy hairstyles symbolised the mood.
The Hippie fashion
The style, that genuine Woodstock hippie look was so much more than just clothes. in all its variation I believe, it stood for its individualism, freedom, peace, openness, rebellion and love. many people have grown to admire of it. The young generation believed they had discovered a better path, a more peaceful future and it was clearly on show at Woodstock.
For most people, this period was is truly more of a historical than a personal memory. There were lots of drugs. spiritual and sexual gatherings were taking place among people. and the attire, in all its colourful and messiness was unforgettable in this era.
The bold and vibrant tie-dye clothing match the hippie aesthetic of shock value and defying expectations. once the tie dying was finished, there were numerous ways to wear the clothing. women tied them under their breasts to flaunt their belly buttons while males frequently wore them like an oversized tunic. Some of the hippie girls wore their handmade vests and valet tops to Woodstock. the vests were typically worn on top of another shirt but the halter tops was something different. It exposed enough skin when it was worn alone more like bikini tops for example. Although long hair on men is now quite prevalent, in the 1960s, it was seen as a feminine style and a sign of disobedience. many of the long haired guys at Woodstock decorated their hair with flowers, lacy pastel headbands, or floral wreaths. no-one questioned their masculinity and rather it was seen as a sign of good will and mutual respect.
In desire of peace and enlightenment, people travelled to far off locations like India and Africa during the 1960s which was also a time of spiritual awakening. the acceptance of of cultural appropriation at that period as seen in many of the Woodstock outfits.
Vivienne Westwood, one of the most famous designers in the world is a British fashion legend who literally invented punk fashion. Even if you don't immediately identify the brand, you have undoubtedly seen its signature pearl necklace at least once. it took TikTok by storm last year!!
I love Vivienne Westwood! Not just because I adore the brands aesthetic but also because I respect the woman who created it. The documentary I watched in class really made me see a different side of her. It was honestly an eye opener. in my opinion, her entire life has been lived as a true rebel. she is one of the few designers that was genuinely out there constantly creating something new. whether a new fashion genre or an entire culture.
During class I learnt so much about her history. She is literally the mother of punk! She fell in love when she met a guy called Malcom McLaren, an art school student who disliked the familiar and loved drugs, sex and rock music. Both of them opened up Let it Rock which was basically a clothing store on Kings road together and it quickly became into a haven for Londons troubled teenagers. they sold a range of clothing from leather biker jackets, to rubber outfits inspired by pornography. They even changed the name of the store several times, from too fast to live, too young to die to SEX.
She was a true icon.
Comments