A Groovy 70's Revival...

The 1970s have always been a pivotal and influential decade for fashion designers. From the legendary music - The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Abba, The Beejees and Jimmy Hendrix, to the ground breaking and now iconic movies such as The Godfather, Annie Hall, The Great Gatsby, Taxi Driver and Saturday Night Fever. It's fair to say, whatever your view of the garish and outlandish 70's, it was most definitely a period which produced some of the most creative fashion trends. From the tasselled boots, gypsy skirts, hippy blouses and peace necklaces to the bright platform boots, huge sunglasses and boho chic - pieces which were also everywhere on the spring/summer catwalks and are now a major trend this season. 

From Henry Holland, Matthew Williamson and Burberry who channeled denim jackets and bold flower prints in London to a host of brands such as Chloe, Emilio Pucci, Valentino and Louis Vuitton... It would have been rather difficult to ignore the  rise of 70s nostalgia this spring. And now the high street has followed suit and produced some lovely pieces which allow you to wear a hint of the hippy decade, but not look as though you've time travelled back in time. 

I've never really been a fan of this decade. As my art teacher used to say in regard to the hippy era, 'The 1970's were a decade that fashion forgot!' And I agreed to a certain extent! But am now looking at this period with a more broad and appreciative outlook. I recently jumped onto the 70s bandwagon (even though I always said I wouldn't) and brought a lovely embroidered linen shirt from Zara for only £29.99. With wide bell sleeves and tassel ties on the neckline, this shirt is absolutely perfect to wear over a cute pair of denim shorts or with crisp white trousers. I also love the jewellery and accessories that reflect the 1970s. The stacks of bracelets in gold, fuchsia and electric blue to the loopy string necklaces with cool pendants attached to them; these pieces are summery and light with a nod to the spring catwalks.

It would be a crime to talk about the 70s and not mention the controversial flared trousers. I say controversial because you either love the flared denim jeans or you despise them with a passion. I for one prefer the latter - mainly because they look absolutely terrible on me. If you've got the body (and the legs!) to work this tricky piece then go for it and take inspiration from the Versace, Just Cavalli and Gucci catwalks. Frida Giannini, Gucci's former creative director, had often cited the 70s as a key tool for inspiration for her collections and this season was no different. From the patchwork fur gilets and denim jackets to the classic sunglasses and wide trousers; her show was an exceptional guide on how to work the 70s with a sense of Italian pizzaz. 

Celebrities such as Sienna Miller and Nicole Richie have long been boho pin up girls. Talking inspiration from 70s icons such as Jane Birkin and Brigitte Bardot, they take hippy and give it a 21st century revival with cute leather tasseled bags, flower power headpieces and chunky belts. Take a leaf out of their book this season and embrace the 70s with style by adding springs take on the trend to your wardrobe. Keep it groovy man!