That '70s Show

Photo courtesy of Taschen

Between bell-bottom pants, turtle-necked shirts, and cheap polyester, the 1970s is labeled to be a decade that, needless to say, lacks in taste. However, for those of us who love fashion, we know this is not completely true. While the ‘70s definitely had moments of crazy “Saturday Night Fever” inspired style, what decade is fully above reproach?

For designers, the ‘70s holds a plethora of fashion inspiration. In Paris, during this time, Yves Saint Laurent was revolutionizing the way women were dressing. Famous for taking masculine pieces, such as trench coats or pants, and slimming them down to fit a feminine shape. Laurent broke barriers between sexes. “Yves was the most influential designer working in the ‘60s and ‘70s,” said Tom Ford, successor of YSL ready-to wear runway, in an interview with Today.

Bianca Jagger wearing a white pantsuit in 1979.
Photo courtesy of Getty.

Not only were designers revolutionizing the fashion world, but the women themselves played a vital role. Take for instance, Jackie Kennedy Onassis, who set the fashion standard as the First Lady with her clean suites and sleeveless A-line dress. And women like Bianca Jagger who showed us that wearing a hat could be glamorous. It’s no wonder that the ‘70s pulled inspiration from silhouettes and styles of the ‘40s—a decade celebrated for its timeless and classic appeal.

For spring 2011 fashions, the ‘70s are making a comeback. Designers like Tory Burch and Hannah MacGibbon for Chloe are drawing off ‘70s-inspired tailored jackets, feminine blouses, high waist pants, and platforms. ABC News describes MacGibbon’s spring collection, as “romantic, casual, sexy, bohemian, boyish and seventies-tinged style has never looked better.”

Seventies-inspired dress from Tory Burch's
Spring 2011 Collection.

It seems to me that the ‘70s are one of the most reinvented decades for fashion inspiration. Now, when I feel the urge to wear my high-waist jeans in public, I do not have to feel as if I am on my way to Studio 54, but rather tipping my hat to past fashionistas. 

Where does Galliano go from here?

While the buzz of Paris Fashion Week has begun to quiet down, John Galliano’s anti-Semitic remarks remain loud for Dior.

Dior recently fired their head designer, Galliano, after an online video surfaced with him praising Adolf Hitler. While this video was taped two years ago, his suspension from the Dior fashion house was due to more recent and similar instances.

An inebriated Galliano allegedly insulted Geraldine Bloch and Philippe Birgiti, a French couple at a bar in Paris. According to the Huffington Post, he told Bloch she had a “dirty Jewish face,” despite the fact that she is not Jewish. He later even threatened to kill them. The couple eventually called the police to the bar where Galliano was arrested.

What is even more interesting about the debate is how the Fashion Industry seems to be protecting him. Donatella Versace said in Milan that there was no justification for the insults but she doubted Galliano had meant to be racist. Giorgio Armani also defends Galliano believing he was caught in a "moment of weakness."

Photo courtesy of the Gothamist

Galliano’s fall from grace has seemed to make a bigger impact with the wearers of his brand. Recent Oscar winner and advertisement face of Dior, Natalie Portman, has disassociated herself from Galliano as she claims herself, “proudly Jewish.” In attempts to alleviate the situation, Dior stores are allowing gown returns for full refunds.

The Dior fashion house has allowed for Galliano to present his Fall/Winter 2011 collection for the last time. His final work was presented at the Rodin Museaum in a black tent with black chairs. In a sense, representing the funeral of Galliano’s presence at Dior.

In an interview with Gayle King, Diane Von Furstenberg states, “As the daughter of a Holocaust Survivor, I find what he said was absolutely unacceptable.” While he has apologized for his behavior, he carries a potential sentence of six months in prison and a fine of about $30,500 for his controversial remarks.

 

When you hit rock bottom, it seems the only way for Galliano to go is up. However, his future in the fashion industry holds little prospect.

Alexander McQueen, fit for a Queen?

While it is every little girl’s dream to have a fairy tale wedding, for Kate Middleton, her dream is coming true. As the anticipation of the impeding Royal Wedding builds, the question everyone is asking is, “What is she wearing?”

Alexander McQueen collection as seen in The Telegraph

The media is all a buzz of which designer Middleton will choose. According to British newspapers, she has chosen wedding dress designer Sarah Burton, the creative director of Alexander McQueen. The 36-year-old was promoted to top designer after the tragedy of McQueen’s suicide last year. 

Could it be a coincidence that the McQueen Fall/Winter 2011 collection began with an all white look? Sarah Burton describes her collection to Susannah Frankel in The Independent to be, “Icy, regal, and beautiful.” The dresses were detailed with delicate ruffled chiffon, embroidered tiny ivory pearls, and dissolved into clouds of feathers from the waist down. 

Photo courtesy of The Telegraph

Other top designers in the running include Monique Lhuillier, who thinks Middleton's dress should be "a modern mix of the traditional and contemporary," as stated in The Telegraph.  

Burton’s work first caught the attention of Kate Middleton in 2005 when she created an off-the-shoulder dress for the wedding of Sara Buys, the Duchess of Cornwall and Kate’s future stepmother-in-law.

London’s Sunday Times reported McQueen’s CEO, Jonathan Akeroyd, divulge to a colleague that the McQueen company had won the commission for Middleton’s April 29 wedding. However, Akeroyd later refuted the rumors stating, “No, not at all. I’m the CEO, I would know if we were doing it.”

Photo courtesy of CBS News

Even if the rumors were true, no designer or company would dare divulge the information. Middleton has made it clear her dress designer be kept a secret until her wedding day. This way, she can surprise Prince William when she walks down the aisle at Westminster Abbey.

While Burton continues to deny reports to Vogue UK regarding her involvement in the Royal Wedding claiming, “I’m not doing it.” We know better and believe Alexander McQueen is fit for a Queen.