by Yve Goodwin

Created on: March 09, 2009

High empire waist-lines, wide circular silhouettes, bishop, kimono and bell sleeve shapes reigned supreme throughout the 60s for
ladies' dresses. Layers of pleated and un-pleated, medium and light-weight fabrics in short baby doll and floor length styles, were draped over the female form to create a fuller and wider look.

In 2007 empire waist-lines were still popular. In the 60s, belts, seaming elements and simple detailing often defined the area of the empire waist-line. In 2007 designers like Roberto Cavalli have continued to accentuate the empire waist-line with interesting ruching, wrap ties, and overlapping details. Popular neck scarves from the 60s had been re-invented in '07 and were being worn in a multitude of different ways (e.g. around the waist, as a head scarf, etc.). While the popularity of hats in all different shapes and sizes made a comeback; sleeves of dresses had been tapered down to spaghetti straps in shorter, less voluminous cuts. Lighter weight fabrics that floated (e.g. chiffon and voil) in all lengths were designed to gently fall over the female form. Enamel jewellery was worn to compliment this exotic style; while high heeled, pointed toe, tall boots with embroidered detailing completed this re-invented 60s silhouette.

When Mary Quant created the mod' (modern) look in the 60s, she pushed the fashion industry and the Twiggy generation toward a new direction. The once brightly coloured flower power designs and voluminous silhouettes became achromatic black and white, with closer fitting, crisper fabrics and more defined silhouettes. The new mini skirt was designed in both fitted and a-line styles. They were often paired with coloured tights that snugly framed the legs, and worn with flat heels. High- neck, close fitting tops, in straight, angular cuts, and short haired bobs created the fashion minimalist.

In 2007 the mod silhouette had been re-invented with sleek straight hair, and body-fitted knits with classic geometric patterns. Colour had also been added to achromatic black and white, in order to add more visual interest and detailing; without looking busy. Wearing a simple outfit composed of basic pieces such as; a black turtleneck, wide belt, plaid skirt with matching tights and black/white pumps, successfully re-created the 60s minimalist. Mixing an outfit up with a variety of different accessories also created very cool looks. For example, women who would wear a simple black dress with a pair of black peep-toe pumps, black leather booties or black alligator leather tall boots (by Kenneth Cole) with a purple clutch; created a modern style with a variety of different looks for modern times. The perfect combination that was used to re-invent the classic 1960s mod into the modern 2007 silhouette... simplicity plus classic style, with a splash of color.

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