I still wasn’t part of this world, much less the fashion industry, around the time of Woodstock but I’ve been made aware through books I’ve read and films I’ve seen. And what had appealed to me most was the attitude folks had taken on in terms of fashion but was equally fascinated with the music, however dated they seem.
But twas the fashion that lingered. I had envied the freedom for their choices have reflected their spirit. Yes, individual personal styles had soul and was untainted — free of labels; loyal to the richness of designs. Eclectic, bohemian, raw and very much alive. So, when news of the “institution” celebrating its 40th year reached me, I just had to pause and highlight it in support and minuscule effort to celebrate the momentous event with them.
In honor of the 40th anniversary of Woodstock, Women’s Wear Daily takes a look back at the festival where the clothes set a casual movement in motion. A tie-dyed T-shirt, flared jeans, a jersey maxidress: Closets are filled with hippie items, whether vintage or brand new. The fashion mood they represent hit the mainstream consciousness during those three dirty, sunny, music-soaked days. WWD catches up with designers who recall the event and how it has influenced them:
Betsey Johnson, who was “too chicken” to attend Woodstock, nevertheless designed clothes at one point for headliner Janis Joplin — recalls the do-it-yourself attitude about dressing for the occasion. “I think it’s very relatable to right now because it’s doing what you want to do with the stuff you have,” Johnson says.
For the Elmira, N.Y.-raised Tommy Hilfiger, “Woodstock solidified the fusion of music and fashion. It was the moment when I began to look at musicians not only for their music, but also for their style.”
True enough, like what Hilfiger said, I do believe that music influences fashion. It’s one of the things I had first talked about when I started fashion blogging. Music has its way of steering us towards the sort of style we’d wish to take on as our own. As how we channel our emotions through music, it’s the same with our style choices.
I’d love to see more of the DIY fashion on folks.
Feel free to add your own thoughts.
Image: WWD
Advertise on this Post. Purchase a 90-day In-Text Link Ad for only $6.
