Sixties Fashion

The Nineteen Sixties

The 1960s was the decade of change, revolution and freedom for both

Britain and America. To many the 60's are remembered as the 'swinging

sixties' a golden age, which was enjoyed immensely, but others blame

the 1960's for some of the failings in society.

In the mid 1950's Britain was recovering from a long period of

economic hardship after a long and draining war. Shortages and

austerity were still very much part of everyday life there was little

mobility in Britain as most could not afford a car, the choice of

radio stations could be counted on one hand all of which catered for

adults not children. The concept of consumer choice was simply 'Can I

afford it?' or 'do they have it in stock' the answer was usually no to

both. Times were hard but this was soon to change.

Britain suddenly seemed to emerge from its gloom, people believed for

the first time in years that they could truly leave there troubles

behind them. Like the USA, Britain enjoyed full employment and rising

living standards. Things seemed to change very rapidly; fashions

altered continuously, becoming more extreme. Skirts became shorter and

shorter whilst colours became brighter and brighter. Music also

changed, artists started to challenge traditional social views. They

sang rock and roll music which adults strongly disapproved of, despite

which becoming extremely popular with white teenagers. They were

starting to think for themselves.

During the late 1950's, early 1960's. The average wage rose by 90% and

unemployment dropped dramatically to only 2%! There were many new

inventions such as the television, which now, nearly everyone could

afford. The newest invention of all was 'the teenager.' Even the word

itself was new. In the 1940's teenagers were seen as mini adults who

were expected to behave and act as there parents did. By the 1960's

teenagers no longer had to follow the fashions and interests of their

elders. They had their own unique style and their own views which

demanded to be heard. Everything seemed to be aimed at the young

"In the 1940's daughters tried to look like their mothers, in the

1960's mothers tried to look like there daughters'

Describe popular culture in Britainat the beginning of the 1960's.

The 1960's saw a new generation emerge, a generation that took the

country by storm. A generation with money to spend that manufacturers

now had to cater for. -The Teenager.

In 1959 British teenagers were spending Ð'Ј8.00 a week (their wages) on

luxuries for themselves such as clothes records, entertainment and

cosmetics. This money provided them with independence and freedom,

giving them a change to re-invent themselves, making them realise they

no longer had to be the mirror image of their parents.

Everything was new and nothing stayed the same for a length of time.

Everything was changing. Manufactures saw potential and realised that

whatever was new was going to sell. In large quantities. The teenager

brought with it, new fashions, new film and television and new music.

Making Britain seem exciting bright and youthful.

Music saw a major change and revolutionised many youngsters' lives.

Teenagers demanded their own style of music, something that was

different. In the mid 1950's the amount of radio stations available

could be counted on one hand, all of which catered for parents not

teenagers. Radio paid little attention to pop music. Radio Luxemburg

was the only way for teenagers to listen to the music they wanted,

reception was however, of very low quality and the sound faded out

frequently.

Music was a massive part of the 60's. America seemed to lead the way

with the likes of Elvis Presley. His was a never before heard sound -

'rock and roll'. This was at first seen as black music sung by white

artists and became extremely popular. The power of radio helped to

spread this type of music. Elvis himself became the highest paid

artist of all time and his hip thrusting performances were not

approved off by the older generations, but as the previous statement

proves, his younger audience made him extremely popular and in1956

Elvis topped the British charts. British artists followed in Americas

footsteps with Marty Wilde, CliffTommy Steele, Billy Fury and Cliff

Richard

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