Swinging Sixties: Fashion in London and Beyond, 1955 - 1970

by Christopher Breward

Austin Powers mercilessly parodied the look, but the films' enormous success proved the enduring influence of mid-60s London fashion.In April 1966, Time famously touted London as the new world center of style. Forty years later, this book reconsiders the roles played by designers like Mary Quant, celebrities like Twiggy, boutiques like Biba, photographers like David Bailey, magazines, and filmmakers in promoting a new, more relaxed, more colorful way of dressing that reverberated around the world. Illustrated with key pieces from the V&A's fashion collection plus contemporary photos, posters, and ephemera, the book relates fashion to the rapidly changing social, economic, and aesthetic context of the times, arguing for the central role it played not just on Carnaby Street, but in 60's pop culture.

Genres: Fashion, Fashion History

Paperback

First published May 1, 2006

About the author

Christopher Breward is Director of Collection and Research at the National Galleries of Scotland, UK and Professorial Fellow at Edinburgh College of Art, University of Edinburgh, UK.

Reviews

[Anna Bonewitz]

A fantastic introduction to the fashion cultures of ‘60s London. This book surpassed my expectation, and I greatly enjoyed the authors’ integrative approach to fashion which bridged shopping, architecture, social change and periodical culture. Definitely looking forward to learning more about Mary Quant and other key figures.

[Tosh]

A detailed account of the boutiques and shops in London during the early and mid-1960's. I am fascinated with the fashions and lifestyles of the owners of these shops. V&A put this together so it has that nice museum-like quality to the text as well as fantastic images.