THROW IT BACK

STYLED BY: ALEX PARKER, LAYLA ADKISSON, KARLI REED MAKEUP BY: ISABELLA JONES, LYDIA RAJAOBERISON PHOTOS BY: ABBY GRACE GORDON

Coined by Marie Claire Magazine as being one of the most stylish decades in fashion history, the 1960s marked an age of innovation for women’s fashion. From Mary Quant’s bold skirts to YSL’s feminine spin on tuxedos, the 1960s were full of rebellious trends that are still relevant in today’s fashion industry. Consider this article as a guide to the top 1960s fashion trends that are still pertinent in today’s fashion. Trend: The Miniskirt The rebellious short skirt was said to be created by British designer Mary Quant in 1964 and was named after the designer’s favorite car, the Mini Cooper. Quant told the New York Daily News, “A miniskirt is a way of rebelling,” and it was often seen as a way to express sexual freedom by in many different raising the hemline a few inches above the knee. The iconic skirt is still relevant in today’s fashion, especially for this spring. It is still seen as a way to rebel and the hemlines are only getting shorter and shorter. Miniskirts were seen seen in many different designer’s spring shows, Channel’s show in Paris being one example. Designers are mixing different textures and colorful prints that pay homage to the 1960s bright color palette for their miniskirts. Every girl owns this iconic fashion staple in her closet and can give thanks to Mary Quant’s rebellious spirit for pushing the hemline limit, not only for skirts but for all of fashion. CLOTHING PROVIDED BY: I JUST HAVE TO HAVE IT 33

Trend: Leopard Print This loud animal print originating from the Egyptians back in 6000 B.C. was a huge 1960s and still very relevant today. Starting in the fifties, designers like Christian Dior started using the bold print, but it really became a fashion statement after it-girls like Elizabeth Taylor, Jackie Kennedy, and Joesphine Taylor were seen in the print during the 1960s. The print, although considered neutral, pushed the fashion boundaries that were set in the fifties by taking on a more sexy, attention-drawing feel. After being shown in many designer’s spring shows like Dolce & Gabbana's jungle show, it appears like the print is here to stay. Designers are creating new-age looks while still using these iconic prints and producing outfits that every it-girl will want, just like in the sixties.

Trend: Tuxedo Jacket The definition of women’s dress was never before questioned like it was in the sixties. One designer in particular helped start the evolution of what women’s fashion can be: YSL. In 1966, YSL produced a collection that contained a smoking suit that, although mimicked a men’s suit, was tailored for a woman, hugging the model’s curves perfectly. This suit tipped off the movement of making women’s fashion more 34

masculine, while still being uniquely feminine. The iconic tuxedo is still relevant today, seen on multiple red carpets worn by big-name celebrities like Victoria Beckham, Kim Kardashian, and Taylor Hill.

The 1960s was a time of dramatic change and rebellion for women’s fashion. It created a whole new idea of what women’s clothing is and can be. The boundaries pushed were carried over into many decades and will continue to be relevant because fashion from the 1960s is truly timeless.