THE VINTAGE REVIVAL vol. 1
EXEC BOARD
Editor in Chief/Co-President Emma Garza Major: Communication Fun fact: I was once lost in Rome for 2 hours!
Strategy Chief/Co-President Dasom Lee Major: BH/Supply Chain Fun fact: I’ve lived across 3 continents & speak 3 languages
Design Chief Ivory Rowen Nguyen Major: Telecommunications Fun fact: I own a collection of dried flowers in mason jars
Fashion and Beauty Section Editor
Photo Chief Kelsey Hoppenstedt Major: Nutrition Fun fact: I am a skilled thrifter!
Online Editor Angela Kraus Major: Horticulture Fun fact: I’ve met Eleven from Stranger Things
Launch Party Coordinator Chloe Garza Major: Child Professional Services Fun fact: I love Jesus!
Print Issue Coordinator Sydney Ramon Major: Political Science Fun fact: My goal is to be mayor of my hometown one day
Lauren Garza Major: Communication Fun fact: My goal is to dissapear and solo travel the world
Social media Chief Analisa Navarrete Major: Telecommunications Fun fact: I have a hedgehog named Malibu 2
Design Team Gabriela Ayala Saarah Dosani Chloe Downey Kylie Karr Angela Kraus Emme McMurray Ivory Nguyen
Photographers Gabriela Ayala Austin Flake Chloe Garza Emily Greco Kelsey Hoppenstedt Victoria Izaguirre Haley Marriott Kathryn Miller Mackenzie Miller Analisa Navarrete Angelica Perry
Writers Chloe Downey Emily Greco Ashley Falk Austin Flake Lauren Galvis Emma Garza Jason-Patrick Gaffney Dasom Lee Kathryn Miller Sofia Perez Angelica Perry Sharan Seloj
Models & External Contributers Gabriela Ayala Madelyn Ballew Isha Buddharaju Annika Dasani Chloe Garza Emily Greco
Kelsey Hoppenstedt Chloe Elizabeth Holmes Angela Kraus Mackenzie Miller Abby Morrow Ivory Nguyen
Angelica Perry Auburn Staples Ben Transgrud Katie Wolbrecht Hayden Donnelly pg. 20 Samantha Mohun pg. 14
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Letter from the Editor
Happy Reading, Emma Garza
Allow me to introduce myself. My name is Emma Garza and I am the Editor in Chief and Co-President of A-Line Magazine. In the writing of this letter, I am in absolute awe that the time has finally arrived to release our very first print issue. A-Line started out as just an idea earlier this year and has since blossomed into something beautiful, thanks to this amazing team of creative minds and passionate souls. It is most important to note that this organization would not be where it is without the incredible contributions made by my best friend and CoPresident, Dasom Lee. Her work and unceasing will to make this dream a reality has propelled A-Line to a place that is brighter than I could have ever imagined. This first semester of A-Line was one for the books (literally). From the technicalities of figuring out meeting times that work for fifty+ students to launching a website and conducting workshops, it has been the most challenging, fun, and fulfilling journey I have had the privilege to be a part of. Overseeing a magazine is more complex than I originally thought it would be back when the idea of A-Line was just a pipe dream, an attempted remake of The Devil Wears Prada. However, this first semester of meeting the most authentic people, learning from innumerable mistakes, and venturing quite blindly into uncharted territory was one that I will cherish forever. I hope that as you read the pages our team worked so diligently on, you come to know and love the heart of this passion project that is only made possible by its people. To see a mere idea come to life has been an extraordinary thing, and I have a feeling that this remarkable group of dreamers and doers will keep the streak going.
Letter from the Strategy Chief Peering down this mountain from its glorious peak, I cannot help but beam with gratitude. My name is Dasom Lee and I serve as A-Line Magazine’s Co-President and Strategy Chief. Bringing this vision to life was in all candidness, organized chaos at its finest. I am proud to stand beside Emma Garza, who I praise endlessly for ideating and fearlessly laying down the grounds upon which A-Line Magazine was built. When Emma pulled me into her idea, I was enraptured because my soul not only leapt for a creative outlet, but thirsted for it. I knew my hunger was bound to be reciprocated in the Texas A&M student body. Voila! A creative community was united in our mission: to enkindle the human spirit through self-expression and embolden all to excel beyond social norms. Leveraging the creative geniuses of our Executive Board and Full Staff, we crafted something so beautifully our own. The “Vintage Revival” issue will always be an endearing one because it is the genesis of our legacy—a truly meaningful representation of the magical charm of the ‘70s. This memorable decade birthed iconic movies that triggered global fandoms (pg. 8), an inspiring magazine that sparked a flame in the Women’s Liberation Movement (pg. 41), a quintessential role model named Jackie Burkhart (pg. 6), and more. Our greatest wish is this: that each person who opens this magazine will take a refreshing breath in, diving into the rich stories captured in these pages. Join us in taking a leap of faith and enjoy—your Vintage Revival journey awaits.
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Kind Regards, Dasom Lee
IN THIS ISSUE A-LINE MAGAZINE | VOL. 1
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MINDSETS THEN VS. NOW peace of mind in the ‘70s
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JACKIE BURKHART life lessons we learned from jackie burkhart
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‘70s MOVIES top movies of the ‘70s
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ABOUT THE ‘70s I asked 7 people about the ‘70s
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NEW YORK FASHION WEEK ‘70s vibes
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UNIQUE TWIST how our generation put a unique twist on ‘70s style
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PEACE, LOVE, HAPPINESS maybe they were on to something
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PHOTOGRAPHY IN THE
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36
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LET’S TALK life lessons from a twenty-something
WOMEN’S RIGHTS from the household to the highest court
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HUMAN CONNECTION at the diner
WOODSTOCK a tribute to peace, love, and woodstock
FASHION OF THE ‘70s iconic fashion of the ‘70s
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MS. MAGAZINE unleashes the feminist’s voice
‘70s capturing the decade
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Life Lessons We Learned From
Jackie Burkhart
“You’re Watching Me Live My Life, That’s Better Than Any Movie.” - Jackie Burkhart
Chloe Downey
You either loved her, hated her, or wanted to be her— but we all ended up adoring her. From one of the most popular television series to ever air, That ‘70s Show’s Jackie Burkhart, portrayed by Mila Kunis, stole our hearts as we watched her grow from a spoiled young girl to an iconic female figure. Jackie Burkhart was every guy’s dream girl, along with every girl’s ideal best friend. Her character started out as resembling a pesky little sister, but grew to become a role model for teenage girls everywhere. We can credit Jackie for many life lessons and tips from dating and clothes to self-care and confidence. So what exactly did Miss Burkhart teach us? 1. Speak what you desire into existence In almost every episode of the show, Jackie is outspoken. She makes it known how desperately she “has to have” something, even if it’s an unreasonable request (hello, he can’t control the weather Jackie!). However, she usually get what she wants. This isn’t necessarily because she was spoiled, but because she was determined to get what she wanted. Jackie spoke her desires into existence, and made them come true no matter what. It was a power move and we should all take note that allowing ourselves to state what we desire and voice that openly only puts us closer to our dreams.
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2. Self-love > Everything Jackie wasn’t shy about loving herself, and you shouldn’t be either! While her character may have come off as egotistical at times, self-love is not to be confused with selfish. It is vital. Even when Jackie’s friends said she loved herself too much and tried to make her feel guilty for expressing her high self-esteem, she never went back on what she believed. Jackie proudly owned her feelings and thoughts (as we all should) and never allowed what people said about her make even the slightest dent in her demeanor. 3. You don’t have to be everyone’s cup of tea If Jackie Burkhart went along with what everyone wanted, she wouldn’t be such a noteworthy character. Jackie was not afraid to disagree with the majority, even if that intimidated people. She never compromised on that. In That ‘70s Show, the gang of friends displayed annoyance with Jackie constantly, yet eventually came to understand she wasn’t in the business of being a people-pleaser. You could take her or leave her, and she would be fine regardless.
4. Own who you are A lot of characters from the television show didn’t appreciate how Jackie portrayed herself or her loud personality. While she displayed tremendous character development throughout the eight-season series, Jackie consistently owned who she was without apology. Jackie was aware that her personality wasn’t always agreed with and still stood tall (or tiny, but mighty). 5. You can prove everyone wrong The most important lesson we can take away from Jackie is that you don’t have to be what everyone says you are. At the beginning of the show, no one could foresee Jackie being more than the typical pretty girl with a rich father, yet time and time again she fought the stigma placed around her to prove how independent she could be. Her character was so much more than what outsiders assumed she was. Jackie taught us that we can break the chains placed on us that say we’re not capable of change.
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I Asked 7 People What They Miss Most From the ‘70s. Ashley Falk
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he decade of the 1970s, for a plethora of reasons, is perhaps one of the most revolutionary in terms of liberation through music, fashion, and protest. Scattered throughout the period were significant events and stepping stones that shaped modern culture today. This was seen in its unprecedented political activism, the rise and fall of Elvis Presley and the Beatles, the opening of the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers, and the first African American woman being put on the cover of Vogue. While it is one thing to read about these notable milestones, it is another thing entirely to have actually lived it. We decided to reach out to people about their experience living in the 1970s, so they could reflect on how the decade personally impacted them and tell us what they miss the most.
Here’s What They Said... 8
Susie, born in 1960.
Benjamin, born in 1950.
Q: “What were some things you liked to do for fun in the ‘70s?”
Q: “What are some pop culture events that you can clearly remember seeing or hearing about in the ‘70s?”
“I got to live out my teenage years in the 1970s. My friends and I would go cruising in a Mustang, or watch a movie at the theaters for $1.50. But one of my favorite things to do was wear my GoGo boots and go to a disco club called “Daddy’s Disco.” I remember it so clearly with the disco ball hanging from the ceiling and everyone inside having fun just dancing.”
Rebecca Hughes,
born in 1951, Texas A&M Class of ‘74 Q: “How would you describe the 1970s?” “For me, the ‘70s were a blur. I was an undergraduate in Zoology and then went to vet school. Being the 16th woman admitted to the vet school, I spent most of my time studying. Pre-vet girls couldn’t just do well, they had to do exceptionally well.”
“The Watergate Scandal was such a shocking event because it was one of the first times that a president came under fire like that. The Charles Manson Massacre was also something that I remember everyone talking about. There was also the breakup of the Beatles and death of Elvis.”
Nora, born in 1961. Q: “What were some of your favorite ‘70s fashion trends?” “I remember having winged bangs like Farrah Fawcett—almost all the girls did at the time. I would wear hip hugger or bell bottom jeans every day to school with t-shirts and clog shoes. Those were just some of the trends that most people my age at the time were following.”
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Cheryl Foster,
born in 1958, Texas A&M Class of ‘80 Q: Who were some of your favorite music artists/celebrities and why?
Sofia, born in 1938.
“Sister Sledge - We Are Family. I was a waitress, sometimes at the only disco bar in College Station called ‘The Sports Bar’ during my time there”.
Q: “What do you think has changed the most from the 1970s?” “The peace and quiet. Things at the time were very calm and people truly cared about each other. There was a different respect for people than there is today, and socializing was done in person since there were no cell phones. I remember the mothers would meet up with each other while our kids were at school and socialize. We’d go to one of the mother’s houses and drink coffee, or just go out to eat together. You don’t see that today.”
Tracey Moreno,
born in 1960, Texas A&M Class of ‘83 Q: “Describe your life in the ‘70s and tell us some of your favorite memories from the decade.” “Being from San Antonio, we drove to school with shotguns because we “hunted” for food on the way home and didn’t get thrown off campus because we had guns. We had three major network TV channels, very little fast food was available, and no one had a maid or yard man—that’s what the kids were for! We loved to go disco dancing at Hallelujah Hollywood, to the mall every Saturday, and to the roller skating rink every Sunday. One of my favorite memories was when our high school made it to state in football, volleyball and tennis so we were all treated like champions.”
Just from asking a few simple questions, it is clear that each person experienced the 1970s in their own way. It is important that we seek stories from those that came before us to learn from the past, and reflect on how far we have come. Someday, people will ask us about life in the 2010s, and we can only hope our stories will be just as iconic.
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s m l i F t Far Ou the ‘70s s of
vie Iconic Mo
arza Emma G
The 1970s gave way to a movement known as “New Hollywood.” It was a time of experimentation, exploration, and innovation in American cinema, challenging filmmakers to delve into topics previously uncharted. There was more violence, more elements of fantasy, and blatant disregard for whether or not something had ever been done before. Some would even call it “The Golden Age of Hollywood,” and for good reason. Movements for civil rights and free love, as well as the growth of rock and roll and challenged gender norms most definitely played a part in what was a bold and glittering time for the renewed Hollywood.
1. The Godfather (1972) The early 1970s got an inside look of the Mafia in Francis Ford Coppola’s mob drama, The Godfather. Moviegoers were told the story of “Don” Vito Corleone, the head of a New York mafia family. The American crime film featured a star-studded cast—some actors whose names wouldn’t be synonymous with “celebrity” until later—including Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, James Caan, and Diane Keaton, to name a few. The Godfather went on to win three Oscars that year, solidifying the impact it made on not only the gangster movie genre, but society as a whole. The film served as an eye-opening commentary on the existence of the so-called “American Dream” amidst the Vietnam War and the Watergate scandal. Even more enduring, it emphasized cultural consciousness, impacting how Americans of all kinds of backgrounds viewed themselves and their national identities. “Friendship is everything. Friendship is more than talent. It is more than the government. It is almost the equal of family.” 11
2. Jaws (1975) Cue: that one eerie theme song that everyone was terrified of as kids, and probably never really got over. The chillinducing theme belongs to none other than Steven Spielberg’s thriller, Jaws. A vicious great-white shark combined with unassuming beachgoers in a breezy summer resort town made for a terrifying mix that kept viewers on the edge of their seats. Regarded as one of the greatest films ever made, the summer of ‘75 blockbuster made audiences think twice before treading into deep waters.
3. Star Wars: Episode IV- A New Hope (1977) Then, there was Star Wars and our world would never be the same. In 1977, George Lucas released the first ever Star Wars film, to be later titled Episode IV- A New Hope. Little did he know that this would serve as a catalyst for decades of Luke Skywalker costumes, lightsaber battles, and die-hard fans all around the world—a dazzling pop culture phenomenon through and through. What started out as a wild idea quickly became one of the most revered film franchises in history when Lucas’s film surpassed Spielberg’s Jaws, which had previously been the highest grossing film of all time. Perhaps it was the otherworldliness of it all: the intergalactic journey Lucas took audiences of the ‘70s on that made them stick around. Or maybe it was the fact that Star Wars was an escape from the chaos of the time period. The story of space heroes quite literally took viewers to a galaxy far, far away. Whatever magic Star Wars is made of, it has undeniably left a lasting impact on ‘70s crowds and Gen Z kids alike.
4. Grease (1978) Our list wouldn’t be complete without this classic musical romcom, dubbed “visual junk food” by the Today show’s Gene Shalit. The beloved Grease had us dreaming of the day we’d finally be in high school, believing in our hearts that it would entail matching bomber jackets and unreasonably attractive students dancing on lunch tables to original tunes they somehow all knew the lyrics to ahead of time. With John Travolta and Olivia Newton-John as the leading lovebirds, Grease was the highest-grossing American movie musical of the 20th century. Fun fact: the film was planned over the course of five weeks and shot in two months— how’s that for a quick turnaround? Miracle had it that Randal Kleiser’s Grease would become one of the biggest blockbusters of its time, to be loved and sung along to for generations and thousands of sleepovers to come.
“Tell me ‘bout it, stud.” 12
New York Fashion Week ‘70s Vibes
NY TOMMYXZENDAYA
SOFIA PEREZ
Fashion Week is one of New York’s most lucrative events where designers, brands, and “houses” (House of Chanel, House of Dior) display pieces from their newest collections to the public. Fashion Week is filled with the most artistic and creative outfits, as well as fashion’s most well-known models. It is safe to say that refreshing our phones for the latest updates during New York Fashion Week is an escape from our everyday stress and responsibilities. It is a welcomed opportunity to get lost in the mesmerizing walk and eccentric outfits on models such as Kaia Gerber and Bella Hadid.
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hat’s most fascinating about Fashion Week is the evolution of style—trends blazing in overnight, and fading just as fast. With each year comes new designers, fresh concepts, and trends. Outfits or styles seen on the runway make their modified appearance on clothing websites and are seen on some of the world’s most biggest socialites and influencers, usually leading to an upcoming new trend. If a designer or house decides to bring back a trend or style that was popular in the past, the public responds by wearing pieces or outfits that represent this trend. If an iconic designer brings back trends from a different decade, they are now seen as cool and hip. It is astounding how much of an influence a brand or designer can have on the entire world of fashion. This is how looks from the ‘70s, for example, are popular again today (hello, bell-bottom pants).
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Tommy Hilfiger collaborated with actress and Euphoria star Zendayato create an iconic collection with major ‘70s vibes: TOMMYXZENDAYA. The collection featured bell-bottom pants, wrap dresses, high-waisted pants, floppy velour hats, newsboy hats, jumpsuits, and wild prints. It showcased the ‘70s, and gave modern society a look into the ‘70s that teenagers/children in this current generation had not yet seen. meshed older styles with current trends and created a new look for our generation. As our mothers so desperately love to tell us, trends and styles always have a way of coming back! Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya did a fabulous job of incorporating popular patterns and trends that are a part of our current fashion into the collection as well. The collection was a collaboration of culture and trends from the 2010s and the ‘70s that flowed seamlessly. Several models wore houndstooth 1. and snakeskin pieces, while still displaying that iconic ‘70s look. Bellbottoms were abundant in different fabrics and patterns, such as velvet and gingham. Models were accessorized with big hoop earrings and scarves, which could reflect either decade. Belted coats were layered on various models to complete the iconic ‘70s look that was prevalent in movies, TV shows, and day-to-day wear of the era. Although clogs were a huge fashion statement in the ‘70s, Tommy and Zendaya did not incorporate them into the collection; instead they chose to incorporate chunky platform heels into the show to mimic that oversized effect that clogs had on an outfit. 1. Winnie Harlow strutted down the runway in a houndstooth print belted coat and newsboy hat. Houndstooth is a timeless pattern that has made continuous waves in the fashion industry since it first appeared in the 1930s. The print screams classy, clean, and refined. Newsboy hats were a staple piece in both men’s and women’s wardrobes in the ‘70s, and the TOMMYXZENDAYA collection did a stunning job at bringing this staple back while also looking chic and modern. 2. This runway look brought out the infamous Bell Bottom pants, a floppy velour hat, and a chic fur jacket. Topped off with big hoop earrings, it brought in a mix of decades. Tommy and Zendaya included some of the most popular ‘70s trends that were combined into an elegant modern-day outfit.
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3. Victoria’s Secret Angel Sara Sampaio made an appearance on the runway in a disco-themed, halter neck jumpsuit. The sparkly jumpsuit was accessorized with oversized round glasses and retro platform heels. This piece from the ready-to-wear collection is the perfect outfit for a disco night out with friends.
“Tommy Hilfiger collaborated with actress and Euphoria star Zendaya to create an iconic collection with major ‘70s vibes: TOMMYXZENDAYA.”
The TOMMYXZENDAYA show featured diverse models, a location that was different than a traditional runway, and a glorious mesh of current trends with the iconic trends of the ‘70s. Fashion is art, and it takes a real artist to be able to put pieces together in a way that looks both realistically wearable and aesthetically pleasing. That’s what makes Fashion Week so intriguing. Every show has its own creative spin and the more diversity, the more inspiration to try new styles. Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya made history, and their collection is will be forever known as one of the most memorable Fashion Week collections of the decade.
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“If an iconic designer brings back trends from a different decade, they are now seen as cool and hip.”
3.
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ecently, we’ve seen a revival of styles from the ‘70s. However, we’ve put our own modern twist on all the styles that were known and loved during the groovy decade. We’ve brought back everything from bell-bottoms and corduroy, to headscarves and pearls. Thanks to the trendsetters that came before us, we have been able to take some inspiration from some of their most iconic looks and make them our own. In the fashion world, “everything that’s old is new again” is a phrase is commonly used to reflect how over time, revolutionary trends tend make a modern comeback both on the runway and in everyday fashion. Many of the season’s top trends build on the revival of older styles. In 2019, this was seen in countless places. From the iconic and inclusive release of the Tommy x Zendaya collection or Free People and Madewell’s endless marketing of wrap dresses and bell bottoms, the resurrection of a multitude of several iconic ‘70s trends has us longing for the nights of dancing to ABBA and meeting up at roller discos that we’ve never been to before.
H O W O U R G E N E R AT I O N P U T A
UNIQUE TWIST ON 70s STYLE
K AT H RY N M I L L E R 16
Bell bottoms were one of the biggest staple trends of the ‘70s. In the ‘60s, those who did not wish to conform to the strict, conservative clothing rules of the 1950s (largely the anti-war counterculture youth) developed this inexpensive and casual attire. It quickly transformed into an iconic trend. Flowers embroidered on an old army jackets and colorful peace symbols applied to worn and faded navy bell-bottoms made for big statements.
Particularly in Fall 2019, flare denim is finally having its comeback moment. Those well known “Saturday Night Fever” bell-bottoms and flower-child flares have been modernized in recent trends by being paired with form-fitting tube tops and bodysuits, along with chunky heeled boots or platforms to exaggerate the nostalgic look. 17
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he colors of the seventies were drastically toned down in comparison to those of the psychedelic sixties. The recovering country’s desire for peace and calm was reflected in the dark wood and warm earth tones of the period’s fashion trends, especially in articles of corduroy and velvet. 1970s fashion was heavily influenced by these warm-toned colors, as well as eye-catching textures and patterns.
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Modern trends of the ‘70s are inspired by a slew of unforgettable, high-profile style icons of the decade, such as Diana Ross, Cher, and Farrah Fawcett. Major looks that designers and modern trendsetters have rejuvenated from these iconic style icons include brimming balloon sleeves, free-spirited tie tops, and stacked, jaunty platforms. Bohemian looks are augmented by the resurgence of classic accessories such as girllike yet urbane hair scarves, waist cinching belts, and tasteful aviators.
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A N G E L I C A P E R RY Freedom, expression, love, togetherness—these were all important aspects of the social culture in the ‘70s. People were beginning to turn their heads away from the darkness, away from the war and turmoil and negativity surrounding them in their everyday lives, and instead focusing on a more hopeful and positive outlook despite the latter. 20
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rave of them, isn’t it? By the time the ‘70s came around, the United States had been involved in the Vietnam War for a grueling 5 years with no sure end in sight. You would think that the country being in such a dark and depressed state would lead its people to follow suit, but for reasons we may never truly understand, that simply wasn’t the case. The ‘70s saw the worst of times and turned it into something beautiful and light, nothing short of a cultural revelation. Instead of dwelling on the pain surrounding them, people came together to lure out the goodness that was still hiding in the cracks. They poured their hearts into music, into art, into fashion, into standing up for what they believe in, and most importantly, into each other. They created a movement—an iconic and irreplaceable era in time that still provides endless inspiration and is famously adored to this very day. Maybe they were on to something.
Fast forward to present day—good ‘ole U.S.A., circa 2019. It’s no secret that there is a clear divide amongst us at this very moment. It seems every day there is a new controversy in the news, another silly argument, or reports of an awful tragedy that could—and should— have been avoided. It’s about time we take a step back from ourselves and try to learn something from our fellow Americans of the ‘70s. Why are we resorting to conflict? To violence? Why are we watching people
suffer not only in our country but all over the world and not doing anything about it? Why is our generation in particular so keen on drowning in our own heartache instead of trying to focus on the good that is still around us? In the ‘70s, the fight was against the war. We may not have a full-blown war now, but we do have intolerance, inequality, poverty, climate change, hunger, and unemployment. Clearly, these things can’t be fixed overnight, but there are steps we can take to slowly but surely make them better. These issues can’t be addressed, though, until we first take a look at the environment around us and our relationships with each other and try to fix those first. To instill any type of change, we first need to have a population of people who are more connected, civil, and respectful of one another instead of being so quick to anger and judgement. Peace, love, and happiness—these are the things we need to focus on now. By no means does all of this imply that our world is in a hopeless state; the simple truth is that there is so much good hiding in plain sight. The peace we seek can be found first and foremost in the form of kindness. Sure, not everything is perfect. But no matter what is going on at any given time, it seems that the inherent nature of people is to simply want to be kind. We want to be allowed to pass and thank the person who gave us the space to do so. We want the door held open when following closely behind someone and to hold it for whoever comes after them. We want to smile at the strangers we make eye contact with in the streets and be sure to thank our baristas, waiters, etc. and genuinely make sure we feel appreciated. We are all just a sum of our experiences and our surroundings. Sometimes, the situations we find ourselves in might throw us down into a dark hole and cloud our vision, but that doesn’t mean that’s where we want to be or were ever truly meant to be. Deep down, we all just want to be treated with kindness and grace and to do the same for other people (as this is so plain to see in even the most minute of everyday interactions).
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As for love and happiness, the two go hand in hand. With love comes happiness, and with happiness you can attract love. To even scratch the surface of all of the bigger issues our country is currently facing, we first need to focus on properly loving one another (“make love, not war,” as the hippies would say). Love people despite their flaws; despite the things about them that are different from you. So much of the hate put out into the world comes more from a place of fear more than anything else. People will fear what is unknown or foreign to them and that fear will often lead them to retaliate as a means of self-preservation. There is no need to react like this, as the unknown is only scary for as long as we choose not to make it known. We should talk to each other, ask each other questions, and try to understand each other’s’ views and ways of life instead of being so quick to antagonize them. If that seems a little scary, start by bonding over simpler things. Think of the first ever Woodstock back in 1969. It was estimated at the time that about 400,000-500,000 people participated—that’s hundreds of thousands of people from all different walks of life. Different beliefs, values, thoughts, experiences, all coming together to celebrate their universal love for music. Then there was the celebration of the first Earth Day in 1970 where it was estimated that a whopping 20 million people participated in some way, shape, or form, all in the name of preserving the place that we all call home. We are all so much more alike than society wants us to believe. We saw this in how people came together in the ‘70s over common passions and goals despite the turmoil around them, and we can see it now amidst all of the negativity if we just take the time to look closely
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enough at those little everyday kindnesses. We can (and should) take so many valuable life lessons from the social culture of the ‘70s; in the ideals of working towards peace, loving any and everyone, and allowing yourself and those around you to feel genuine happiness no matter what life may throw at you. Looking at the progression of our world from then to now, there is one rather simple idea that, if nothing else, we will always be able to count on—the sheer continuity of things. Even in some of the less than perfect moments, we can remind ourselves that this is one small blip in what is an enormous and unwritten lifetime. Even when things aren’t going your way, know that at any point near the equator, Earth is always moving at nearly 1,000 miles per hour. Know that you will always see the sun in the morning and the moon at night. Know that there are currently over 7.5 billion people in the world who are going about their days and experiencing their own triumphs and struggles and that we all go to sleep each night and get to wake up each morning to an entirely new day. Just as the simple mechanics of the world around us seem to always go on no matter the circumstances, the ‘70s saw a time of war and pain and from that created a movement for freedom, light, and all things good. If they could do it then, what’s stopping us now?
Capturing the Decade
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Photography in the ‘70s
Kelsey Hoppenstedt
ver the past 50 years, photography has changed drastically. The cameras, the lenses, the quality—we’ve upgraded. Aside from the evolution of the camera itself, the nature of photography has historically adapted to what the norm is at the time as far as photo style goes. Although photography and the way we have taken photos has changed, we constantly look to the past for inspiration and admire it for its ingenuity. In the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, photography began to make more of an impact on society. Magazines, movements, and a new era of self-expression began to emerge and take the world by storm. In the ‘70s, people from all walks of life were captured in photos. From the rebellious youth to trendsetting icons like David Bowie, photographers were preserving a culture that would one day be looked back on as a golden age. Photographers such as Robert Herman, Bill Bernstein, and John Ingham were some of the most wellknown photographers of the ‘70s. They were able to capture pictures of people and places that fully encompassed what the decade was all about and told stories through their photographs To this day, their photographs are still widely revered and seen as art. 23
Before photography became digital, film photography was the most popular way of taking photos. The everyday photographer preferred Kodak or Polaroid, but the more professional photographers relied on SLRs, or Single Lens reflex cameras. These kinds of cameras were seen as sophisticated for the time and some of the most popular SLRs were from Pentax, Canon, and Olympus. Taking photos and developing them on their own was a common method for the photographers of the ‘70s. Usually taken and developed in monochrome, photography became an interest that more and more people immersed themselves in. While color photography was introduced back in the 1930s, it was considered to only be used by amateurs. It wasn’t until the early to mid-1970s that color in photos began to be seen as useful. Once people started to see colored photos appear in magazines and billboards, they started to explore the possibilities of photography and went on to capture vivid moments.
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“New York in the ‘70s was a beautiful chaos.”
- Bill Bernstein
Today, appreciation for photography isn’t what it used to be. Being able to hold a camera, capture moments, and wait for film to develop is a pastime that has been replaced with digital photos and social media. Sharing photos nowadays is as easy as tapping your fingers on a phone and receiving messages in seconds. Although this new method of sharing and transferring photos has become a large part of our culture, nothing can compare to the feeling of changing 35mm film in a camera, receiving photos after being developed, and looking at the difference in their quality of film versus digital. At the very least, we can still print out photos originally taken on our phone and even use updated Polaroid cameras for instant pictures of moments most special to us. Nothing beats holding memories as opposed to scrolling through them.
“A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people.� - Annie Leibovitz, Rolling Stone Photographer
Photographs courtesy of Bill Bernstein 25
Peace of Mind in the ‘70s: Mindsets Then Versus Now
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Austin Flake
he year is 2019. It is common to be told that in order to be successful, we must take part in the hustle culture that has become just another fact of life. The pressure to stay focused on betterment at all times and inherently know what direction we want to go in life is saddled on us at an impossibly young age. We always seem to want more, never being satisfied with where we’re at—completely accustomed to the instant gratification and false comfort technology gives us. Social media has also led to a comparative mindset, which has proven to be toxic when it comes to mental health. Today’s culture is drastically different from that of the ‘70s. We’re always on the go, never stopping to truly enjoy or appreciate our surroundings. The “stop and smell the roses” way of thinking has largely ceased to exist.
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Why is this our reality? And what can we do to get those ideals back?
Needless to say, there was no Instagram, Snapchat, or YouTube in the 1970s. The pressure we feel to make our lives look seamless on social media was absent, meaning that people just lived in the moment. This was due to the hippie movement from the previous decade that had seeped into the ‘70s, promoting a sense of peace through times when war and violence plagued the country. With the protests against the war and betrayal that many Americans felt from the government’s unveiled scandals, people craved change. They wanted independence and enlightenment, which is when experimenting with fashion and beauty took on a life of its own. While self-expression through clothing was a movement that had started in the ‘60s, it had now turned into a way to stand out and tell the world who you were. The way people presented themselves and lived their lives, for that matter, became a freeing art form.
It is known that despite the glamorized “peace and love” aspect of the decade, people in the ‘70s were still navigating through the messy aftermath of the Vietnam war and Watergate scandal. Americans were increasingly losing faith in the government, seeking a more independent lifestyle instead. A more open-minded outlook was adopted, encouraging Americans to stray from what was deemed “normal” and just go with the flow. We can observe this through the lifestyle, fashion and beauty standards, and overall mindset that people had during the ‘70s. There was also an emphasis on reaching a level of spiritual perfection.Albeit attempted through the use of psychedelic drugs and holistic medicine, their intentions—at the most base level—were still noteworthy. This simply goes to show that even though the country’s social and economic infrastructure was wavering, people kept on. In fact, it was the war itself that yielded a new way of looking at the world; that is, less violence, more love.
‘‘The hippie culture empowered people
to embody the sort of free-spiritedness.’’
‘‘There was also an emphasis on reaching a level of spiritual perfection.’’ One has to admire the spirit of those people of the ‘70s who chose to embrace others. After the previous decade of rising activists and anarchists, the hippie culture empowered people to embody the sort of free-spiritedness that, while detached from the political chaos that had defined their world, was still admirable. To not spend every waking second trying to get to the next stage of life on your own in fear that other people will slow you down, but instead enjoying where you are, taking in your surroundings, and living in the moment— that was the beauty of this culture. There is something to be said about folks having face-to-face conversations and actually being interested in what was being expressed. There is some sort of magic in the minute parts of mundane conversations: a spark of human connection. Let’s take a step back from what we know today as the hustle culture and welcome in an important part of what life is all about. Getting to know your roommate is a great start.
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LET'S TALK ABOUT YOUR TWENTIES
EMILY J. GRECO
L ife is an unpredictable ride, full of beauty and complexities all at once. It’s made of highs and lows, accomplishments and failures,
good and bad. This can feel especially true for those of us in the midst of or approaching our twenties. Isn’t this the age when our parents were starting their careers, getting married, and buying houses? Didn’t they already have everything under control right after graduating from college? Brace yourselves for this one: you don’t need to have everything figured out by the time you hit your twenties.
“Happiness comes out of being willing to do your work in your twenties to find out who you are, what you love.” -Candace Bushnell
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HERE ARE SOME THINGS WE’VE LEARNED IN THE BEGINNING OF OUR TWENTIES: 1. It’s okay to change your mind and even more okay to change your major. 2. You can’t create a map for a place you’ve never been. Your decisions, your perspectives and your feelings will change before you get there. 3. Stopping to smell the roses is a cliché for a reason. 4. A good career should not be measured by prestige, but by how much you truly love what you do. 5. Let yourself have experiences. You’re only young once. 6. Netflix, Hulu, and Amazon Prime can wait. You have a real life to live. 7. Your mental health is so much more important than stressing about the future. 8. Believe it or not, everyone is going through the same thing. 9. Spend time with people you genuinely enjoy being around, and don’t let them go. 10. If you’re going to be late, you might as well pick up breakfast.
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Sharan Seloj
FROM THE HOUSEHOLD TO THE HIGHEST COURT, WOMEN’S RIGHTS IN THE ‘70s
U
ndoubtedly one of the most iconic decades in U.S. history, the ‘70s carried with it some notable happenings. From Apollo 13 to the disbandment of the Beatles, there were many events that occurred during this time period that made the ‘70s so incredibly iconic. One of the most pivotal moments throughout this decade was the emergence and progression of women’s rights. In the wake of the aftermath of World War II, the lives of women were changed drastically in almost every way imaginable. As the household technology industry began to boom, the services sector that was not entirely dependent on strength and physicality had opened up to give women more opportunities to make a living for themselves. At this point in time, women had already been lobbying for equal pay and protection against employment discrimination 30
Women in America soon realized that this would not be enough for real change to happen and thus, the National Organization of Women was born. This was an extremely prominent turning point for the women’s liberation front as more feminist groups emerged. Suddenly, women found themselves having a voice that they had every intention of using. Surprisingly the sudden emergence of these feminist groups incited more of an outwardly sexist attitude towards women. These groups were constantly mocked due to the fact that the movement was everywhere, yet nowhere. No women’s organization had an actual established office where specific issues could be mulled over, much less an actual staff. What the women’s liberation front did have that most people glossed over was attitude. The mindset of women being
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chained to the household was slowly but surely changing and there was no stopping it. A key point to the entire women’s empowerment movement was the inevitable truth that rising divorce rates left many women as the sole breadwinners of the household, and were therefore forced into poverty due to the lack of jobs available for them. However, just opening up equal opportunities was not enough, as most jobs require sufficient education and background knowledge prior to taking a position of employment. As a result, more women began to enroll in college than ever before. They would become well educated and eventually self-sufficient. This led to the desire to not merely survive, but to thrive. For the first time, women had goals and decided to pursue career paths that they had never imagined themselves pursuing. Every career field now had an influx of women and more women were being elected to government positions. The image of the independent woman was born during this time period and maintains its strength and relevance even in the world of today. When it came to actual change being made, there was an undeniably large divide between younger women who wanted a revolution in comparison to older women who were looking for reform. Radical groups would show up to congressional hearings with the intent of causing disruption, while older women who were most likely leaders of the National Organization of Women felt that their efforts were better suited to lobbying government officials and big corporate companies who had a history of excluding women. Despite these differences, the entire viewpoint of women in society had begun to change, thanks to courageous women banding together and pushing for social and political change. The biggest historic turn for women’s rights during the ‘70s was the ruling of the Supreme Court case Roe v. Wade, which stated that unduly restriction by the government to regulate abortion is unconstitutional. It was this decision that was made by the highest court of the land that led to the undeniable empowerment of women that continues to grow stronger over time. 31
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“So they spoke.”
It is clear that the ‘70s was the decade in which the shift for women’s rights being brought to the forefront of social and political issues occurred. These mass movements during this period eventually manifested into how we perceive women in this day and age. Women wanted to be liberated. They wanted that liberation to extend beyond the confines of their house and make sure their voice was known and heard. So they spoke. 32
Human Connection at the Diner
Emma Garza
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T
he 1970s was a decade of major political change, refreshed perspectives on the art of self-expression, and iconic hit songs. But what about diners in the ‘70s? Far from what we typically experience nowadays when we sit down to eat with friends and family, the act of joining together with others to share a meal was a more intimate experience back in the day. With catchy jingles that most Americans would easily remember and even sing along to, diners welcomed groups of people in to enjoy a burger and have great conversations. According to the National Restaurant Association, one out of three meals was consumed outside the home in 1976. Newly lenient liquor laws in historically dry states/ counties, the youth culture of the times, and the increasing growth of credit cards brought people into these establishments that would offer more than just a discount on fries. More people were gathering around the tables at their local diners eating their BLTs and catching up with one another, free of the temptation to post a picture of their meal.
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“I’ll have a hamburger with a side of human connection.” - Dasom Lee
The old-fashioned diner promoted camaraderie and a genuine sense of togetherness between individuals. Long lasting friendships and relationships were cultivated in commonplaces that deserve to be recognized as hubs for human connection. Like with many other aspects of the ‘70s, we can learn something from this. We can put our phones on Do Not Disturb mode and stow them away until after our time with friends and family. We can decide that we will value this opportunity to spend quality time with someone other than ourselves and give them our full attention. The milkshake might get some attention too, but we can live with that. 35
Let It Be A Tribute to Peace, Love, & Woodstock
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Jason-Patrick Gaffney Lauren Galvis
he renowned Woodstock music festival of 1969 was one of the most iconic events of the 20th century. When our generation thinks about the ‘60s and ‘70s, our minds are flooded with countless films and images representing the amazing madness that was Woodstock. The festival’s slogan, “3 Days of Peace & Music” was celebrated, and for good reason. It really was three days of peace & music—experienced by 400,000 attendees at its peak. One of the reasons that Woodstock is so famous is due to the large mass of college students that attended, who came to be known as “hippies.” While we largely associate “hippies” with the younger people of this time period and their nomadic lifestyle, it was actually first attributed to the new subculture for being on trend and “hip,” hence the formation of the word “hippie.” Hundreds of thousands of young adults flocked to a small farm in New York during the “Summer of Love,” for an event that was only expected to attract a few thousand people. It was this—the unanticipated overabundance of enthusiastic attendees—that was responsible for the chaos that Woodstock came to be. It is common for people to associate Woodstock with being an unorganized mess. However, others visualize the coveted music festival as a land of milk and honey with flower children frolicking across fields, listening to Janis Joplin. Woodstock was more than a field of chaos and more than a hippie love fest—it was a movement towards embracing humanity, experienced by people of all backgrounds.
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Music festivals are supposed to be about the music, but festivals of today are looked at in a negative light because of the influencers, celebrities, brands, and sponsors who would rather profit and promote than add to the beautiful phenomenon of togetherness that is longed for, but lost.”
Woodstock took place on August 15th, 1969 and lasted through August 18th, 1969 at Max Yasgur’s Dairy Farm located in Bethel, New York. The event was expected to see close to 25,000 attendees, but ended up drawing a crowd of a significantly larger magnitude: 400,000 people all in one place. Food was scarce as people were surrounded by miles of farmland, and all there was to eat were road trip snacks that had been brought along by festival attendees, who then shared their food with those around them. It rained for hours at a time that weekend and the conditions were incredibly muddy. To quote Woodstock attendee Paul Liberty: “[sic] it was awesome but the weather sucked! Nobody cared, though. We were all about having a great time.” Many of the attendees didn’t mind the torrential downpours, as they had brought tents or found cover under foliage, but others stood waiting. Some even danced in the rain, growing in excitement for the artists they had come so far to see. This was not the sunny and perpetually happy Woodstock that we all see in movies—the reality was that it was a state of mind. A festival, especially one of this magnitude, is what the attendees make of it. Being able to find the sun on a rainy day is where the passion for living a full life, no matter the circumstances, is tested. The modern-day music festival is similar in that the purpose of the event itself is to bring big acts of music to one single location over the span of a weekend or two. They draw in massive crowds, and people from all over come together for the one-of-a-kind experience. But of course, as Millennials and Gen Z babies, we put our own technological and selfiepacked twist on music festivals. Coachella is currently one of the world’s largest music festivals, and one of the longestrunning, dating back to 1999. The festival is held annually, spanning across two separate weekends and held in Indio, California. Hundreds of thousands of people drive across the country, fly across the world, or carpool from surrounding areas in California to attend either weekend of Coachella.
It is a time for festival goers to dress in over-the-top outfits, put on their most outlandish colored eyeshadows, and run around listening to their favorite bands while accompanied by best friends, lovers, and thousands of strangers. The artists that attend Coachella are from all different genres, ranging from hip hop and rap to country and indie. It is a judgment-free space where all are welcome, simply there to have a good time surrounded by fellow music enthusiasts. While attendees do come to the festival for the music, there is no denying that the event has become about more than just swaying to songs. It has become an entire weekend filled with the hottest celebrities, “Instagrammable” outfits, and major opportunities for clout via social media. Astoundingly enough, the “general admission” attendees (who spend thousands) aren’t the majority; social media influencers and celebrities make up a large part of the audience. More than anything, music festivals like Coachella have become about social status, fame, and fortune. Many who go to [Coachella] are not those who saved for an entire year to buy one general admission ticket with a shared hotel room, but are instead the VIP wristband holders who spend their time in air-conditioned lounges and luxury tents. In fact, some influencers and celebrities are paid to attend Coachella. Well-known brands like Sugar Bear Hair and NYX Cosmetics treat influencers to the ultimate VIP experience: glamorous villas, gourmet food, the lot. Those that dream of long, sunny days of music, love, and culture when attending Coachella are outnumbered by those who only go to get dressed up in sponsored clothing, take an Instagram picture, and hang out in their comfortable tent for the rest of the day. The private tents and lounges act as a divide between general admission and VIP guests, which blocks off any sense of togetherness. Instead, the split brings to light the different social statuses that are revealed through a wristband. Music festivals are supposed to be about the music, but festivals of today are looked at in a negative light because of the influencers, celebrities, brands, and sponsors who would rather profit and promote than add to the beautiful phenomenon of togetherness that is longed for, but lost.
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This year was the 50th anniversary of Woodstock. It was a chance to recreate the original event, to inspire and bring the spirit of the Summer of Love to the next generation. Instead, promoters attempted to create a festival that was just as much Woodstock as Fyre Fest was Coachella: a flawed vision that never saw the light of day. At an estimated cost of $450 a ticket, Woodstock 50 would have been over three times the cost of the $18 presale and $24 gate admission ticket prices ($120 and $140 when adjusted for inflation, respectively) from 1969. The financial backer for the event ended up pulling funds, much to the dismay of many. But in a way, maybe it was a good thing that the iconic event couldn’t be recreated. After all, it was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This new version of the original could have been just another festival that relied on exorbitant ticket prices to back an event that would become the stuff of social media influencer dreams, rather than a tribute to the good times. At this point in our lives, there will never be another music festival like Woodstock. Woodstock was what it was because the people of the time turned it into a celebration for the masses. It was an opportunity to just live and love. It is also worth mentioning that there were never any recorded incidents of violence at Woodstock. Over 400,000 people on 600 acres and still, no record of violence. If we can learn anything from the Boomers in their youth, it’s that they were on a courageous conquest to be a part of something good, something that celebrated humanity. They were willing to hop in their parents’ minivans with their closest friends and drive thousands of miles across the country for it, with little to nothing except the desire to find others like them. They went to bond over the music that served as a soundtrack to every tear shed from a broken heart or joyous moment spent south of nowhere with shakes and burgers in a car with their best friends. Woodstock was a wild moment in time that will always hold at its core the power of adventure and welcoming those from all walks of life. The very fact that it was so unorganized contributes to why we have this great thing to look back on. It is a testimony to the major impact of people—united and displaying how we, as human beings, owe it to each other to be helpful, kind, and decent. More than anything, it was and is a mindset that we must make sure lives on.
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Ruffled Blouses and Bright Hair: Iconic Fashion of the
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70 s
Lauren Galvis
As Worn By Celebrities
eminiscing on the ‘70s gives us all a chance to remember those iconic looks we all were confused by as kids, but are now starting to incorporate into our own wardrobes. Bell bottom pants and retro-style sunglasses are making a comeback, and even though many believe that we are inventing a new style, we must give credit where credit is due. Fashion in the 1970s paved the way for breaking barriers regarding gender norms, experimenting with foreign styles, and trailblazing for decades to come, even if they didn’t know it. 1. Freddie Mercury Freddie Mercury, the late lead singer of Queen, was wildly ahead of his time. He was an inspiration for men everywhere to feel free to express their sense of style, leaving no room for worrying about what the world would think. Freddie’s iconic clothing choices made him stand out, making him a lasting symbol for self-expression. Whether he was wearing tight-
fitted catsuits, flowy two-piece sets with ruffles at the sleeves, or large patterned jackets — the outlandish nature of Mr. Mercury served as a catalyst for change in the world of fashion. 2. Cher Cher, from the famous duo Sonny & Cher, was catapulted into stardom in the late ‘60s, and began to make a mark in the music and television industry in the early ‘70s. Cher’s style was one of lesser flamboyance, but still made a big statement. Cher’s iconic looks included two-piece bell bottom sets that were patterned, sparkly, and even metallic. With her slicked middle-part and doe eyes, she was a poster child for 1970s fashion, inspiring women everywhere to take her style and make it their own.
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DAVID BOWIE 1970s
4. Farrah Fawcett Hairstyles can and will be considered just as essential as clothing. We have all wondered at her iconic blown out blonde hair. Actress Farah Fawcett’s hair was the definition of “big.” She sported blond locks that flared up starting at her bangs and cascaded down into big curls. In That ‘70s Show, Kitty Foreman can be seen rocking a Farrah Fawcett inspired hairdo, confirming that the famous hairstyle really was a big deal. Apart from her iconic hairstyle, Farrah was known for her girl-next-door sense of style of bell bottom jeans, and striped or plaid long-sleeved shirts to match.
3. David Bowie David Bowie was art. His iconic ‘70s looks seemed to be a part of him, and in a sense created this abstract art using only his clothing and body. Bowie had charisma, flare, and power, all while wearing what was considered to be women’s clothing of the times. Bowie threw out the stereotypes and instead brought fiery red hair, slimfitted dresses, flared out abstract jeans, and chunky boots. With that, he instilled an excitement in fans to break boundaries when it came to expressing themselves with the clothes they put on their back. Funny enough, that excitement is still palpable almost five decades later.
“Style is about the choices you make to create the aspects of civilization that you wish to uphold.” -David Bowie
The ‘70s were a time where famous celebrities showed the world what they could do with colors and styles, both on-stage and off-stage. Now, almost 50 years later, we live in a world where have teenagers and young adults are incorporating these celebrated looks into their everyday wardrobes. These iconic celebrities are to thank for the looks we know and love today. They were an inspiration in the ‘70s, and they are inspirations today. 40
By Women, For Women: Ms. Magazine Unleashes the Feminist’s Voice
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Dasom Lee
tep outside of the progressive 20th century and into the 1970s: a world of frivolous publications highlighting the latest schemes for attracting a husband, applying cosmetics, and cooking dinners. For American women, these were the society-mandated concerns of their exemplary reality. Amid this male-run selection of prim and proper reads—restricting females to their domestic roles—Ms. magazine penetrated the journalism industry with unapologetic authenticity. In December of 1971, their ground-breaking preview issue in New York magazine debuted the housewife’s perspective into mainstream media. Within weeks, their mailbox was overflowing with 26,000 subscription orders and 20,000 reader letters. The magazine’s iconic title Ms. renounced customary addresses “Mrs” and “Miss” that had tied women’s identities to the men they were married to. With its first print issue hitting stands in July 1972, Ms. emblazoned the seventies’ Feminist Movement with tidal waves in the form of black and white paper reads. Exuding a strong persona of female empowerment, publicly avoided topics of domestic violence and sexual bias in the English language rippled into this historic decade for women’s rights. The overarching message was clear: female journalists were done settling for the nameless shadow of men. They were ready to shine in the limelight. What sparked the ingenious creation of this magazine? Renowned writers, sociopolitical activists, and feminist heroes Gloria Steinem and Dorothy Pitman Hughes—along with a plethora of female editors—recognized an unmet need: the female voice in news. Ms. cofounder Steinem “realized as a journalist that there really was nothing for women to read that was controlled by women, and this caused [her] along with a number of other women to start Ms. magazine.” In addition, the political climate was ripe for Ms.’s market entry. Female ownership of any kind was scarce in the seventies. Women’s aspirations were limited to epitomizing the characteristics of a wife and mother—all roles that depended on the presence of a working male. Women’s legal rights were shockingly few, especially regarding reproduction, divorce, and financial responsibilities like possessing credit cards. Often, businesses segregated their hiring processes by restricting their opportunities to males only. Steinem reminisces on the time her male editor rejected her political proposal on The New York Times Sunday magazine because he “[didn’t] think of [her] that way.”
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“Ms. magazine serves as evidence that women can push the boundaries of female expression and innovate in an industry where they are the minority.”
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hat captivated their readers with such bulletlike precision? The massive popularity of Ms. magazine was inflamed by their topics’ ringing relevance. The magazine’s customer base fluorished in the heart of the seventies’ feminist tensions. Jane O’Reilly famously wrote the first cover story titled “The Housewife’s Moment of Truth,” conveying the argument that household duties are weighed heavily on the female. The “click!” concept was normalized to indicate when a housewife identifies the pressure on her to act in a certain way to appease society’s expectations, rather than liberate her individuality. The publication shed a new light on women's issues with a diversity of writers speaking boldly from their firsthand experiences in controversial topics like abortion. Shattering the assumption that wives adopted the political standpoints of their husbands, Ms. featured political analyses of presidential candidates on women’s issues. An article titled “I Want a Wife” dissected the disparity in the amount of career support men receive from their wives from a female perspective. Articles proclaiming welfare as a women’s issue cracked the industry mold. Personifying feminists’ commentary, Ms. magazine’s print issues led the Women’s Liberation Movement with passionate independence.
Suddenly, the second wave of the Women’s Liberation Movement settled over America like a vindictive cloud. A notable event headlined newspapers: over eight dozen women charged into the Ladies’ Home Journal’s editor-in-chief’s office. Emboldened, they courageously stood their ground for eleven hours insisting that the company hire a female editor-in-chief. With the dawning of this Second Wave Women’s Rights Movement, activists were motivated to speak out on a public platform like Ms. Overcoming financial adversary, Ms. magazine persevered through the decades with increasing support from female activists, business women, and philanthropists. A myriad of commercial and non-profit owners later, the publication stepped into their innovative advertising-free model which persists to this day.
Nearly five decades later, their legacy lives on. In a polarized news industry, the writers breathe refreshing truth into the lives of millions. In modern times, the articles’ feminist viewpoints have seamlessly adapted to discuss relevant topics today such as equal pay. Ms. magazine serves as evidence that women can push the boundaries of female expression and innovate in an industry where they are the minority. This story has enthralled many, triggering a movement through journalism that occupies pages in history books and inspires many to this day.
Who We Are We are an online fashion and lifestyle magazine run by students at Texas A&M University. Our core mission is to enkindle the human spirit through self-expression and embolden all to excel beyond social norms. Self-expression can be seen in many forms. Whether it is in writing an article, capturing a photo, or creating a graphic design, we highly encourage our staff and readers to challenge themselves creatively and freely express their original ideas. Here at A-Line, we believe that those bold enough to excel beyond norms should be acknowledged and empowered. We aim to uplift all who dare to be different and to ignite a spark in our readers when we do so. The A-Line team is made up of a community of collaborators, working to produce weekly content for our site, as well as a semesterly print issue.We hope our content makes you feel inspired to pursue what sets your soul on fire. Let’s get to creating.
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