There’s no denial that when you think about what the ’70s are known for, the era’s colorful culture is the one thing that pops to mind first. Everything from the fashion, to music, to movies is so beautifully vivid and bold, one can’t help but admire it.
The list below consists of images that perfectly encapsulate the mood of the era. These pictures were shared by the Instagram account The70z, that’s dedicated to all things groovy. Over the years, it has amassed over 305,000 followers, proving that people still need sideburns and platform shoes on their feeds. Scroll down to get your fix of the funky and the radical.
Ruth Gordon Schnapp, California’s First Woman Structural Engineer, 1970s
If you were to describe a typical ’70s outfit, you’d probably mention one of the standard hippie looks consisting of bell-bottoms, a turtle neck, and some modest peace-sign-shaped jewelry. This type of bohemian fashion was all the rage in the first part of the decade.
Birthed by the counter-culture movement that encouraged everyone to “stick it to the man” and celebrated personal freedom, the fashion was carefree and fluid. The mood was created with flowy peasant blouses, maxi dresses, ponchos, and capes. The hair was long and natural; afros were in style. Men were growing out sideburns and proudly wearing mutton chops.
Natural colors and floral patterns took over for a while, too. Inspired by the new environmental movement, it moved away from the outrageous colors of the ’60s. Burnt orange, dark yellow, deep purple, and olive green were common in clothing and interiors.
41 29th Street, San Francisco, 1978
Hippie Dad Walking With His Daughter, Amsterdam, 1967. Photo By Toni Riera
When it came to interiors, wood and rattan, both of which reinforced the natural feel, were really popular. Many swapped the outdated wallpapers to wood paneling that gave a warm look to their rooms while rattan was used in furniture such as chairs and tables. It was all tied together with velvet that helped to balance it all out by adding luxurious coziness to the atmosphere.
The emphasis of coziness is really notable when you look at the furniture that was popular back then. Curvy, cushy sofas were loved by many, while papasan chairs, egg chairs, and beanbags became lounging staples. Sunken living room designs or so-called conversation pits were popular, too.
Joan Jett Without Her Signature Black Eyeliner
Women In Afghanistan During The 70s. Before Taliban. Heartbroken For All Woman, Men And Children Going Through Pain Now In
Tim Curry, 1974 By Joe Gaffney
Helen Mirren, 1969
Harrison Ford In A Kitchen In The Late 70s
That Moment When You Realize Your Parents Were Cooler Than You. “My Parents In Front Of A Store In Paris, 1972”
Meanwhile, the mainstream was seeing the rise of disco music. Nightclubs were popping up all over the place and people needed dance anthems there and then. That’s when Gloria Gaynor gave the world “I Will Survive,” Chic made us “Le Freak,” and the Bee Gees reinvigorated everyone with “Staying Alive.”
André The Giant, Using Dwayne Johnson’s Grandfather (Weighing 315lb), High Chief Peter Maivia As A Booster Seat. 1970s
