As we traverse through the evolution of fashion across time, one counterculture movement that has left a palpable and colourful imprint on sartorial aesthetics is the lovingly known ‘hippy’ era of the 60s and 70s. Emerging out of San Francisco, Hippy clothing stood as a symbol of nonconformity, peace, love, and environmentalism, growing to possess its place in many a modern-day wardrobe.
Much like the runway trends today, the dynamic and vivacious hues of hippy clothing arose from several sources — ethnic and Indigenous clothing, DIY and hand-made items, and outfit pieces created from unconventional materials. Diverse, vibrant, and unapologetic — the foray into mainstream fashion stands as a testament to the movement’s power to challenge norms and express individuality.
Defining Elements of Hippy Clothing
So, how exactly is this nonconforming, vibrant subculture expressed in attire? At its core, hippy clothing is all about loose-fitting, comfortable fabrics, earth-toned colours, and distinctive floral and psychedelic patterns. Commonly seen pieces include bell-bottom jeans, tie-die T-shirts, peasant blouses, and maxi dresses. However, one element that remains unalterable is the fierce embrace of self-expression and the outright rejection of mass-produced fashion.
Influence of Hippy Clothing Today
Despite its roots in the 60s and 70s, the love for Hippy clothing has scarcely diminished in the modern era. The movement’s spirit, immortalised through its distinct clothing, has persisted throughout the decades, influencing several contemporary clothing styles. Today, we see this essence seeping into Bohemian aesthetics, festival clothing, and eco-fashion trends.
Renowned fashion brands have taken a nod from the hippy era, introducing reconstructed versions of vintage pieces inspired by this era’s vibrancy and eccentricity. Additionally, sustainable fashion, recycling, and upcycling of clothing items — ideas deeply ingrained in the hippy philosophy — have found their way into mainstream fashion ideologies, making hippy clothing relevant in every sense of the word.
Accessories and Eyewear
To complete the look, accessories play an undeniable role in accentuating the essence of the hippy style. The flavour of the ‘flower power’ era can be seen in peace sign necklaces, headbands, fringed bags, chunky bracelets, and above all, round framed sunglasses as a staple hippy accessory.
No hippy outfit is indeed complete without a groovy pair of sunglasses. The eyewear worn by the pioneers of the Hippy movement were known for their round frames and often reflective or colourful lenses. Elton John’s star-shaped glasses, for instance, or John Lennon’s famous round wire frames, have been etched into our collective memory as iconic relics of the time.
Today, the demand for quirky eyewear styles inspired by the hippy era has seen a resurgence. More conscious consumers flock to online and physical marketplaces to buy reality eyewear — a modern take on the classic hippy glasses, combining vintage aesthetic with contemporary design elements and evolving technological advancements.
Conclusion
Whether through its distinctive clothing that champions individual self-expression or the ideology that underpins it, the Hippy movement has undoubtedly left an enduring impact on the world of fashion. Most importantly, it serves as a persistent reminder that fashion is not merely about style, but can also be a means to of challenging norms, promoting sustainability, and empowering individuality. As we look into the future, the essence of hippy clothing and the subculture that sparked it all continues to inspire and evolve, painting the fashion canvas with its unique hues of originality.