Deco Revival Fashion

You may recall I mentioned some time ago I was doing a spot of research on retro revival fashion in the 1970s? I've finally managed to assemble my research, so I thought I'd kick off with a post on the Art Deco revival in the late 60s to 70s. One influential cinematic influence on the movement was the 1967 release of Bonnie and Clyde starring Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway. A 1968 article in LIFE magazine neatly summarised some of the key features of 1930s revival fashions inspired by the film and reinterpreted for the 70s:




1970s fashion revived a number of 1930s design features including flutter and capelet sleeve styles, and deep-V collars. Made in the right fabric McCall's 6834 could almost pass for an original late 30s tea dress.


1930s style orange slipper satin dress


30s style strawberry print dress (modelled by Aimee of Bright Young Twins)

30s and 40s revival fashion in LIFE magazine, February 1971

But it's not just the clothing itself: Art Deco influences can also be seen in accessories, including items like beaded evening bags and jewellery. Some seek to imitate the originals, but more often they're given a distinctly 70s twist.

Art Deco orange clutch, sold by Penny Dreadful Vintage

70s Deco fan earrings

1930s inspired beaded purse

Spectator shoes "A 30's flavor with the look of the 70's" in Sears, 1973
However, possibly the fashion arena which most wholeheartedly embraced the Deco vibe was in the prints: jazz era imagery enjoyed huge popularity in textile design over the decade.

1920s inspired fabric

1920s tennis players T-shirt

1970s skirt printed with early 20s fashion plate style images