RUNWAY & riots: 1960s protest fashion
RUNWAY & RIOTS: an ALYN Fashion Show // Saturday, May 13, 2023
From mod to the anti-fashion of hippie chic, we are breaking through traditional stereotypes of fashion with this show during a period of social and cultural change and learning how events that took place in the sixties continue to have an impact on today's fashion trends.
Experience a time when femininity was celebrated and empowered through protests and modeled down daring runways. Women were able to take control over their own bodies and self-expression in ways that had never been seen before. The fashion movements of this decade initiated a change across multiple global cultural platforms, including body image issues, racism and the #metoo era.
How these fashion movements have evolved over time speaks volumes about the strength of womanhood.
You’ll dig the iconic styles, stories of protest, and stone foxes on the runway. Each look is thoughtfully curated to represent the glamourous, groovy and grungy fashion of sixties culture. So take a hit, feel the vibes and be inspired to make bold statements.
Anti-Vietnam War Fashion Collection
The anti-war fashion of the 1960s Vietnam War era was a statement in itself. Clothing became a way to protest against the war and reject mainstream society, while also promoting a more leisurely, holistic and peaceful lifestyle. Hippies and peace advocates let their hair grow long and wore smiley faces, peace symbols, tie-dye shirts and loose-fitting silhouettes of opposition. Colorful palettes, military prints, and camouflage textures were a way to show solidarity as people felt more connected to the war than ever before. Fashion was about more than looking good – it was a tool for rebellion.
Dolly Girl Collection
The movie “Lolita” had a huge impact on early 60s fashion trends. The infamous “Dolly Girl Look” was a major trend amongst teenage girls. The 1962 film destroyed innocence and self-esteem by featuring an adolescent girl’s physique. The style often featured playful elements like floral prints, babydoll dresses, and thigh-high jackets. Accessories like oversized sunglasses, pillbox hats, and Mary Janes provided essential finishing touches. As a result, this look became popular among young women based off what they saw onscreen, and the infamous “Lolita Look” has remained a staple of teenage fashion ever since.
Dior Protest Collection
The 1966 Dior Fashion Protest not only caused many cities to reconsider their laws regarding dress codes, but also opened the conversations about the objectification of women and how clothing can be used as a tool for self-expression. A group of women called the British Society for the Protection of Mini Skirts led a protest outside of a Dior fashion show, calling for Christian Dior to feature the new fashion of miniskirts on the runway and encourage clothing to be worn with pride and without judgement or shame. This iconic moment helped shape modern feminism into a powerful force working towards gender equality around the world, showing that women have the power to demand change and make their voices heard.
Miss America Protest Collection
The Atlantic City boardwalk saw an empowering, historical protest at the 1968 Miss America Pageant to embrace individuality and challenge gender roles, racism and consumerism, symbolically throwing “instruments of torture” like bras, high heels and makeup into the “Freedom Trash Can”. Feminists created an atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion that encouraged people of all shapes, sizes, colors, ethnicities, and gender identities to be seen on the runway.
In a pageant industry that favored thin, white women, African Americans deserved more than ever to have representation and recognition. On this day, Saundra Williams simultaneously became the first Miss Black America, a pivotal moment in the African American community. Saundra’s crowning made a lasting impact by encouraging other black women to proudly embrace their natural features, adorn themselves with items from their heritage, and use fashion as an expression of individualism rather than conformity. These events are remembered today as a form of liberation from traditional beauty standards, because when it comes to beauty, there truly is no “one size fits all” answer.
Woodstock Collection
The 1969 Woodstock Music & Art festival fashion has come to symbolize an era of free expression, gender fluidity and individuality. Free-spirited looks are still seen in today's trends with pieces such as bell-bottoms, halter tops and distressed denim. Streetwear fashion elements such as loud graphics, bright colors and fun accessories allowed people to embrace the spirit of peace, love and nonconformity and make bold statements with their style while staying comfortable during the three-day event. Today’s music festivals have turned into fashion events with high-end designers creating luxury signature fashion looks, representing the carefree attitude embraced during the Woodstock era.
