Trend Report | 70s Redux

How to wear the 70s trend without pastiche?

Let’s set the scene. It’s Saturday night at Glastonbury, 2013. The Rolling Stones are on stage. The crowd is powering through on beer-and-sunshine laced energy and assorted narcotics.  Everyone’s quite dirty. It’s a hedonist’s dream.

Mick is singing an updated version of their 1968 song ‘Factory Girl’ – Glastonbury Girl – about a chick he’d danced with, laughed with – and who’d disappeared with his ecstasy. Imaginations run wild as we picture this achingly cool Cinderella groupie with the balls to swipe Jagger’s stash. The lyrics evoke the Stones’ prime, when rock and roll Bardot babes in fringing and barely-there denim slipped past the security tape.

Now, we don’t want to suggest that Mick was single-handedly responsible for the SS15 70s redux, but lets just say we can imagine the track on repeat in the studios of designers early last year.

So how do you look on-trend rather than hopelessly nostalgic?

At both the men’s and women’s collections, outerwear was huge – in size that is. Whether shearling, lambskin or fur, silhouettes amped up the volume, with texture and colour aplenty. We loved the wild styles at Chloe and Stella McCartney, but if you’re looking for something a little sleeker, head to Gucci or Burberry Prorsum for office friendly looks that will still pull the eye.

The mini-dress has returned too, to much adoration. Worn best with suede knee-high boots, these flimsy numbers (and they are best worn flimsy) may seem delicate, but radiate A-list attitude. Our headliners? Pucci and Tommy Hilfiger, with cosmic tie-dye and starry fabrics. If you’re after a bit more refinement, look to the embroidered treasures at Valentino, or Cavalli’s pleats.

Finally, leather: an easy update reminiscent of 70s boy idols. Wear it anywhere; Louis Vuitton made dresses, Prada want you in trench coats and Givenchy think you really should be in trousers. Do you really have to chose? Luxe leather in the era’s flattering cut will long outlast this trend.

Shop a few of our favourite pieces below.