Fashion and Protest - What Makes The 60s Hippie Style
You don't need to be an expert on the 60s to know how much activism took place during the decade. Our brand new handmade collection 'Love Street' took its main inspiration from the hippies from the late 60s who protested against The Vietnam War, so we thought it was only right to take a look back at how expression through clothing became a way of communicating political stances in the 1960s.
Though the hippie style takes influence from so many textures, shapes and colours from across the world (particularly India and Africa), the counterculture was centred around promoting peace and love globally, in contrast to the war, restriction and segregation happening socially.
Let's dissect some of the most notable elements of hippie style, and how they link to protest and rebellion.
Prints and colours
It can't be ignored that psychedelic drugs were part of the 60s hippie counterculture, and particularly the LSD of the decade often allowed people to see the world in technicolour - something that was replicated in the prints of the clothing.
The influence of Asian techniques was also prevalent in the use of block prints, silk, and paisley. Just as wearing bright colours and prints today, the vibrant patterns enabled hippies to stand out as creatives and artists, as many hippies were and still are.
Politically and protest-wise, these psychedelic prints along with tie dye and free flowing fabrics, allowed hippies to be easily recognised as part of a progressive, liberal, global, and anti-war community.
Symbolism
The peace sign as we know it comes from the CND, or the Campaign Against Nuclear Disarmament, specifically for a march in London in 1958. Due to the sign not being restricted, it was used generously by many different protests, and became an international sign for Peace and probably the most iconic symbol of a counterculture in fashion history.
Flower power is another huge part of hippie symbolism, which not only represented the need to take care of our planet, but referred to the whole culture of passive resistance and non-violence to solve conflict.
Shapes
There are many iconic shapes of the 60s hippies, namely flares, bell sleeves, kaftans, and capes. The key thing about all these styles is that they were genderless AND inclusive, something fashion had not seen before. The freedom that the flowing skirts, billowing capes and loose-fitting dresses gave hippies allowed them to dance and move without restriction, as well as communicate their non-conformity.
Details and Textures
Globality of course played such a huge part in hippie fashion, especially when it came to the details like stitching and Suzani, jewellery and even fabrics. The influence of Tibetan and Indian music (not to mention The Beatles trip to the continent) brought a fascination and appreciation for the intricacies of embroidery, crochet, crystals and beads, fringing and fur trims as seen on Afghan coats.
A central part of a hippie style is having minimal impact on the planet, so visible patching, utilising badges to hold things together and the general attitude of making-do-and-mend was huge (and should still be)! Many people also took advantage of the extra decoration to make political statements, and protest badges were super popular.
Music
The hippie community was arguably spearheaded and soundtracked by the most iconic musicians of the 60s and 70s, who themselves donned bright prints, peace signs, dramatic sleeves and patched denim.
Most of you will probably be well aware of these iconic songs, but here are some tunes for you to get ready to:
Jefferson Airplane - Volunteers
Crosby, Stills, Nash and Young - Ohio
Janis Joplin - Me and Bobby McGee
Buffalo Springfield - For What It's Worth
Creedance Clearwater Revival - Fortunate Son
Lynyrd Skynyrd - Free Bird
Ten Years After - I'd Love To Change The World
The hippie style has evolved hugely over the years, but with the 60s remaining at the heart, and many of these central themes still dominating the clothing. In The Octopus Garden, the 60s hippie style will always have our heart, not least because of what it represents - and with everything going on in the world at the moment, it is important to remember where this iconic style came from, and emulate it's roots more than ever.
Information on your right to peaceful protest and events happening near to you is freely available on Google, as it’s usually best to join a local group. We are in no way affiliated with any organisation, but as we are based in Liverpool here are a couple of useful websites:
Liverpool Friends of Palestine: https://lfop.co.uk/
Friends of the Earth: https://groups.friendsoftheearth.uk/groups/liverpool-friends-of-the-earth
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