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Imagine this: Barbra Streisand strolling in like she owned the place, Jimi Hendrix popping by, and John Lennon’s fancy white limo parked outside. Sounds like a movie, right? But this was real life at Granny Takes a Trip, the coolest boutique on King’s Road in London. It first opened its doors in 1966 and quickly became a hotspot for all things counterculture. Even Salman Rushdie said it was his “60s education in cool.” Well, guess what? Granny Takes a Trip is making a comeback, and it’s getting a little help from the Rolling Stones!
Rushdie once said the place was like “the Mecca, the Olympus, the Kathmandu of hippy chic” for all the heads and freaks hanging out there. That’s some high praise, huh?
A New Era for Granny Takes a Trip
The 2024 version of this iconic store is keeping that rebellious spirit alive. This time around, they’re focusing on sustainability. All their clothes will be secondhand or made from deadstock fabrics. Plus, they’re going to use leftover merch from the music industry to create some one-of-a-kind pieces. How cool is that?
Check this out: Marlot te Kiefte, the CEO, wants to recreate the vibe of the original store. She thinks people today need to “take a step back and appreciate fashion” just like in the 60s. She sees parallels between now and then, with all the political craziness, a rise in collective thinking, and an interest in wellness and psychedelics.
The 60s Revival is Real
This revival isn’t just about one store. The 60s are making a huge comeback in fashion and culture. Look at the recent collab between fashion writer Leandra Medine Cohen and the French brand Soeur. They’re bringing back shrunken polo shirts, shift dresses, shiny metallics, and short skirts.
TV shows are getting in on the action too. Apple TV’s “Palm Royale” is set in 1969 and is full of retro fashion like cat-eye sunglasses, headscarves, and kaftans. Alix Friedberg, the Emmy-winning costume designer for the show, is using vintage pieces from big names like Dior and Chanel. It’s like a fashion time machine!
Hollywood Loves the 60s
Even movies are feeling the 60s love. Sofia Coppola’s film about a young Priscilla Presley brought beehives and other 60s styles back into the spotlight. In London, there’s a whole exhibition dedicated to Biba, one of the world’s first lifestyle brands, at the Fashion and Textile Museum.
High Fashion Takes a Trip Back in Time
High fashion houses are diving into the 60s pool too. At Dior, Maria Grazia Chiuri looked to the 1967 Miss Dior line for inspiration, with a soundtrack by Serge Gainsbourg and Jane Birkin. Chanel’s recent show in Manchester had models wearing 60s-style baker-boy caps and tweed suits. Celine even channeled Twiggy with their shift dresses and miniskirts.
Gen Z Gets Groovy
And it’s not just the older generations getting nostalgic. Gen Z is loving the 60s too. On Depop, searches for miniskirts are up 30%, baker-boy hats by 17%, and leopard print by a whopping 235%! Pinterest is seeing a similar trend, with searches for Biba up 65% and a big jump in people looking for 60s outfits.
Why the 60s, Why Now?
So, why are we so obsessed with the 60s again? Fashion experts say it’s partly because we’re in a time of big changes, just like back then. And let’s be honest, the 60s were all about fun and optimism – something we could all use a bit more of right now.
The recent deaths of 60s fashion icons might also be playing a part. Mary Quant, who made the miniskirt famous, passed away at 93. Her death reminded us all of her incredible impact on fashion. Jane Birkin, another style legend, also left us recently. Her effortless French style is having a big moment on resale sites.
Looking Back to Look Forward
But it’s not just about paying tribute to the past. The 60s were about bold, clean looks – a nice change from today’s layered and voluminous styles. Tony Glenville, a fashion historian, thinks we’re drawn to the decade because it was so different and optimistic. Back then, it was all about rights, change, and having fun, even on a tight budget.
With the UK facing tough times in 2024, the 60s seem even more appealing. People were socializing, exploring, and having fun without spending a fortune. Maybe looking back at that time gives us hope and inspiration to do the same now.
So, whether you’re a fashion lover or just someone looking for a bit of nostalgia, it looks like the 60s are here to stay. And honestly, who wouldn’t want to take a trip back to a time of cool clothes, great music, and endless optimism?
