70s Style Month: Week 4 - Disco Glam

I’ll end the decade overview at night spots like Max's Kansas City and Studio 54; both drew hordes of the rich and beautiful. Bianca Jagger, Mick's wife and a favorite of Andy Warhol, was the reigning queen of Studio 54, where she celebrated her 32nd birthday riding in on a white horse—lead by naked men. Now if that's not enough reason to celebrate the '70s, then what is?

Thanks again to Wikipedia, for all the detailed info:
"With the popularisation of disco and the increasing availability and diversity man-made fabrics, a drastic change occurred in mainstream fashion, the likes of which had not been seen since the 1920s. All styles of clothing were affected by the disco style, especially those of men. Men began to wear stylish three-piece suits (which became available in a bewildering variety of colours) which were characterized by wide lapels, wide legged or flared trousers, and high-rise waistcoats (US vests). 

Neckties became wider and bolder, and shirt collars became long and pointed in a style reminiscent of the "Barrymore" collar that had been popular in the 1920s. 

The zippered jumpsuit was popular with both men and women, and clothing inspired by modern dance (wrap-around skirts and dresses of rayon or jersey) also became common. 

Neck-scarves were also used. Polyester, double knitting, skin-tight Spandex trousers,tube tops, and slit skirts were popular for a while at the very end of the decade. In 1978, there was a brief craze for transparent plastic trousers worn with leotards underneath. Silk blouses, spaghetti-strapped tank tops and shirt-waist dresses were also worn. 
Platform shoes with soles 2–4 inches thick became the style for both men and women.

The top fashion models of the 1970s were Lauren Hutton, Margaux Hemingway, Gia Carangi, Janice Dickinson, Cheryl Tiegs, and Jerry Hall

In Britain and the urban United States, from 1972–1974, fashions were inspired by extravagantly-dressed glam rock stars such as David Bowie,Roxy Music, and Marc Bolan. Glitter was in vogue. Women wore high-waisted, flared satin trousers or denims, the latter usually decorated with rhinestones, tight lurex halter tops, metallic-coloured lamé and antique velvet dresses, satin hot pants, sequined bra tops, and occasionally they wore ostrich- feather boas draped over their shoulders or turbans on their heads. 

 The short, imitation rabbit-fur jacket was a hot fashion item during this period. Make-up was garish and glittery, with eyebrows thinly plucked. Bianca Jagger, who often used an ebony walking stick, wore peacock-feathers in her cloche hats, green sequined shoes, transparent blouses, and carried an ivory cigarette- holder, was a fashion icon. The men often wore lamé suits, silver astronaut-style outfits, satin quilted jackets, wide-m rock-inspired fashion were Biba, in London's Kensington High Street, and Granny Takes a Trip in Kings Road, which also had a branch in West Hollywood, California. And who can forget the roller skating craze?"

All in all, the 70s was a very groovy decade, and I plan to be wearing a lot of great outfits in honor of an era that was not afraid to be different. Let the dancing begin!

Love what you read here, and want to see more great 70s fashion?
Check out my other blog entries in honor of 70s style month:
Week 1: Hippie Chic
Week 2: Rock and Roll, Punk
Week 3: Street Style