Soho.1960S LONDON.

Sixties London was the world’s hub of pop culture.

Powered by three key elements; Youth, Affl uence & the Mass Media.

While a new aristocracy of Rock Stars and Trendsetters ruled the roost, Pop Art took a witty and detached view of contemporary consumerism, and architecture looked towards a utopian future.

(Rainer Metzer , wr i ter and cul tural h istor ian/professor of History of Art at Academy of Kar lsruche, Germany.)

LONDON IN THE 1960S.

Swinging London is a catch-all term applied to the fashion and cultural scene that flourished in London in the 1960s.

It was a youth orientated-phenomenon that emphasised the new and the modern. It was a period of optimism and hedonism, and a cultural revolution.

The main catalyst was the recovery of the British economy post World-War II, which lasted throughout the majority of the 50s.

“There seemed to be no one standing outside the bubble, and observing just how odd and shallow and egocentric and even rather horrible it was” (Private Eye)

SWINGING LONDON.

The Union Jack became a key symbol for the 60s; it was used in fashion, sports and transport.

It was a key element of the Mod movement It became a symbol of the 1966 World Cup. It became a marketing tool following the launch of

Mini-Cooper in 1959.

SYMBOLS OF LONDON.

There were two areas of music that really excelled during the 60s.

Firstly there was what the states called ‘The British Invasion’, led by The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Kinks & The Who.

The style of music that came from the British Invasion is under the categories of Blues-based Rock music/Guitar-driven rock/pop.

The second music movement that took over was Psychedelic Rock, such as Jimi Hendrix & Pink Floyd.

The popularity in this music grew as the popularity in Pirate Radio stations grew.

MUSIC.

During this period, both fashion and photography was a focal point in ‘Queen’ magazine, attracting attention to Mary Quant.

Jean Shrimpton became one of the fi rst Supermodels, during the 60s was the highest paid and most photographed model.

The model to act as Shrimpton’s competition was Twiggy.

The most popular shopping areas during this period were Carnaby Street and King’s Road; where Mod originated.

FASHION.

In 1964, a radical change came to fashion that would last for ever, this was the introduction of the Mini skirt by Mary Quant. From here designers started to push out the longer hemline.

The Mini-dress was typically either A-line or Sleeveless shifts. The leaders of this fashion was the British Mods, they had a fashion rival however the Rockers.

FASHION.

In the late 60s as the economy and the countries mood altered, so did the fashion.

In 1968, a new feeling in fashion moved in and the androgynous hippie look took style.

The key items to this trend were; bell-bottoms, tie-dye, work shirts and headbands. Sandals took over as the shoe of choice.

FASHION.

This is one of the few decades were there wasn’t one specific hair style; women’s hair ranged from bouff ant styles to pixie crops.

Men would be usually seen wearing a sophisticated hat; however towards the end of the 60s, with the hippie movement men tended to ditch the hats in favor of bandanas and would let their hair grow long. They also allowed their facial hair to grow, from sideburns to full beards.

HAIR.

The 60s marked a transition between the ladylike looks of the ’50s and the free-spirited glamor of the ’70s.

The early and mid ’60s, which brought about a more playful approach to makeup and the use of color. Voluminous hair, lots of eyeliner, and the pixie cut also made their way into mainstream style during this decade.

The 1960s were all about dramatic eyes and paler lips.

BEAUTY.