1976 ~ Far East Influence

Here is another example of the Far East influence in 70s fashion. This is an illustration showcasing a sewing pattern from 1976. The commentary that accompanies the illustration is as follows:

A touch of the Orient expresses itself in this flowing caftan. Tiny spring blossoms float over silky lengths of fabric to lend you the air of a princess in a Japanese fairy tale. The attached scarf is a fluttery grace note. Authentic accessories complete the Far East ambiance. Fabric, 100% Dacron polyester “Ultressa” by Burlington-Klopman.

Related Post – 1972 Fashion Magazine spread

There was an oriental or far east fashion trend in the 70s with a “Chinese” influence. According to sources, this trend was the result of a new interest in China following President Nixon’s visit to the country in 1972 and the growing normalization of relations between China and the West.

A 1972 fashion magazine dealt with this trend in one of its spreads. Shown here are six of the pages from this spread. The commentary are next to the pictures.

Oriental influence for clothes – does that mean giving up great dresses and pants and tops and switching over to long kimonos and fancy silk pajamas? Not at all! It’s just more pants and tops and dresses, but this time with the feel of the Far East. It’s primary colors and nature prints, quilted jackets and easy wrap arounds. It’s the line of a peasant blouse here, the sleeve of a kimono there. Mostly, it’s the oriental look you like, the way you want to wear it. Point in case: This open-backed Indian blouse (which is authentic) has a princess bodice, could go with jeans, dress pants or skirt.
By Like Me; about $9. KJL Necklace. The brightest flowers bloom on a short kimono dress with obi sash. By Cottager; about $16. Therese Aherns flower. Shoes with Chinese characters: Charm Step.

Tea is to the Oriental as Coke is to you and me. “I was more expecting a girl with bound feet in traditional costume,” he will say, when you offer him the steaming cup. “Times change,” you will reply. Most untraditional: wide-legged tablecloth-checked pants and matching full-sleeved top. (Where can this “oriental” look be found? On Americans passing through.) By Charlie’s Girls; pants about $16, top about $14. Green and gold demon pin (it’s actually two inches high) by Trifari. Lady Arrow red and white tattersall shirt (on the girl in the window) with trim stand-up collar; about $15.

Some people believe all oriental clothes look the alike – not so! Although it is true that half an hour after you buy some, you want to go shopping again. Some of the reasons why? Quilting, the East-West way. The red and black apple-print smock jacket, at far left, comes with red gabardine twill pants. By Clobber; about $40. The high collar coolie jacket is navy with red and yellow flowers. By Lassie Junior; about $45. Like the Chinese worker suit? Try the American version at left; navy denim with red frog closing at mandarin collar. Matching roll up jeans. By Juniorite; about $25. Thongs by Miller Eye. The oriental layer, below: bright, traditional sweater with a waist that looks like a sash, worn over a voile oriental print shirt of birds and flowers. (You add the chopsticks.) The sweater by Jap; about $26. Shirt by Trafalgar Square Ltd.; about $12.

It’s not for nothing oriental women got their reputation for looking great. Consider this Indian-inspired top and skirt, above left, that bares the midriff. The blouse ties at the side, the ankle-length skirt just gives the illusion of being a wrap. In indigo blue, white and gold print. By Flo Toronto; about $48. Buddha necklace by Sandor. Delicate chambray smock, center, with gauze yoke, watercolor-like floral inset. By Gratz Université; about $48. Checked obi by Ruza. Elephant necklace (it really is about two inches high) by KJL. Rough woven cotton side-wrap dress, right, comes with a separate turtleneck top. By Razzle Dazzle; about $35.

Ecology is nothing new to the Far East – people there have treasured the earth longer than we’ve had a civilization. Their colors are the colors of growing, living things – and they’ve been consistently crazy about plants and flowers. Oriental flower power: a short gutsy side-wrap dress, above left, with a mandarin collar that opens to a sexy V. By Vicky Vaughn; about $22. Puddle-stepping clogs by Famolare. Sleep in it or play in it; the long, clingy high-waisted dress at right is for at home or out of doors. By Maidenform; about $17. Peter Dubaux heart. House of Joy monk-in-a-temple pin (on table).

More outdoor flavor; wide-waisted kimono dress, left, comes colored in a smoky blue and white nature print. By Mix One; about $28. Bracelets by Willie Woo. Soft, blended flowers dominate a long, lean T-shirt dress, right, but there’s a bit of contrast at the neck. By Lanz of Salzburg; about $23. What would an Asian farmer do without his trusty overblouse? What would you? The red and blue smock, inset left, is crossed with bamboo, touched with flowers. By Tribes; about $12. Inset right, a plaid jacket with patch pockets that matches up to wide cuffed pants. (Pants not shown.) By Susan Petites; about $24.

Related Post – 1976 Magazine Illustration

1972 ~ “Nicholas and Alexandra” Influence

The commentary that accompanies this picture from a 1972 fashion magazine is as follows:
Proper white voile shows the “Nicholas and Alexandra” influence. It’s trimmed with lace and tiny buttons, has a standup collar and ruffly flounce. By Vicky Vaughn, of Dacron and cotton. For a colorful accent, Joyce ties her “trees” with bright, pretty ribbons.

This dress was obviously inspired by the film “Nicholas and Alexandra” that was released in December of 1971. It went on to win Academy Awards for Best Art Direction-Set Decoration and Best Costume Design, and was nominated for Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Cinematography, Best Music, Original Dramatic Score and Best Picture.

In 1972, I would not have dreamed that in about 6 years I would be a samplemaker for the designers at the company that manufactured the Vicky Vaughn label!! A samplemaker is a seamstress who works with the designer. The samplemaker sews the prototype garment from the designers pattern. If the style is chosen for the new line it is then prepared and put into production in the factory.

1974 Illustration

Here is a 1974 illustration that shows an appliqué or embroidered heart on the jeans.

Raggedy Ann face embroidered on blue jeans

During the 70′s, fashion was very much about “expressing yourself.” A new pair of jeans, jean jacket or blue chambray shirt was an empty canvas for doing just that.

In this illustration, you will also notice a girl holding a Raggedy Ann doll. Raggedy Ann has been a favorite American icon for years. That must be why I chose to embroider her on a pair of my jeans in the early 70′s! Her face was down near the hem of the pants. When it came time to throw out the old jeans, I cut Raggedy Ann’s face out and tucked her away.

If your Julie or Ivy dolls have a pair of jeans in their wardrobe, you might want to do a little embroidery on them!