1970's

Punk

What Was Punk Fashion in the Early Days of the 1970s?

Punk is a well known fashion, but during this century it was just becoming popular. Punk first emerged in the mid 1970s in London as quite an aggressive way of dressing and expressing yourself as an individual. This way of dressing suited youngsters with limited cash. The way in which they dressed was highly theatrical with unique hairstyles, cosmetics, tattoos, jewelry and body modification. Pucks would often rip up old clothing and hold them together using safely pins,leather vinyl and rubber were 3 popular materials that were used.








Sex Pistols





Vivienne Westwood




Punk Hairstyles

Towards the end of the 70's, The Sex Pistols were being focused on as they were a popular punk band, along with the Sex Pistols Promoter Malcome McLaren's partner designer Vivienne Westwood created this look that people aspired to look like. They owned a shop named 'Let it Rock'. The story behind this look was based on a sexual fetis for black leather, along with ripped t- shirts. Many clothes within their store offered bondage. Bleached Clothing was also part of the look, this Punk appearance continued into the early 80's.

Gwen Stefani wearing Vivienne's Punk dress.

Vivenne Westwood Punk style heals.

Punk Style

3 Day Week

Inflation in the 70s was a huge problem. Everyone talked about the cost of living. A series of strikes lead to power cuts and the Three Day Week. The 70s was not the best time for Britain's economy. Britain finally joined Europe in 1973. This was meant to improve things, but left our home market vulnerable to imports. 

The Three-Day Week was one of several measures introduced in the UK by the Conservative Government to conserve electricity, the production of which was severely limited due to industrial action by coal miners. This would mean that commercial users would be limited to the specific days. This was put in place January  1st until March 1974. Services which were essential such as  restaurants, food shops and newspapers were not allowed. Television companies were required to cease broadcasting at 10.30pm during the crisis to conserve electricity