FASHION MAGAZINES - 1960s

From Miniskirts to Space Age: The Fashion Revolution of the 1960s

The progressive, future-oriented 1960s brought a seismic shift in fashion, marking the transition from bespoke haute couture to ready-to-wear clothing. This evolution was fueled by the post-war economic boom, which increased overall wealth and purchasing power, as well as the women’s liberation movement. As more women entered the workforce, earned their own income, and sought practical, affordable, and stylish options, fashion began to reflect their changing roles and desires.

Youth culture emerged as a powerful force, rejecting the traditional and conservative styles of older generations. This non-conformist spirit, combined with the rise of pop culture and mass media, ushered in an era of constant trend cycles. Technological innovations, such as synthetic fibers and mass production, further revolutionized the industry. The retail landscape also transformed, shifting from bespoke ateliers to department stores and high-street boutiques, making fashion more accessible than ever.

Geographically, the fashion spotlight expanded beyond Paris. The United States saw Jackie Kennedy, with the help of her designer Oleg Cassini, set the tone for refined and sophisticated American style. Meanwhile, Swinging London rose as a global fashion epicenter, embodying youthful rebellion and creativity.

Fashion styles evolved dramatically from the ultra-feminine elegance of the 1950s to sleeker, more practical silhouettes suited for everyday life. As social taboos broke and sexual liberation gained momentum—with the advent of oral contraception, the increasing acceptance of tampons, and a growing sense of bodily autonomy—skirts became shorter than ever, giving rise to the iconic miniskirt pioneered by Mary Quant. The Space Age aesthetic inspired geometric cuts, futuristic materials, and bold accessories, while large-scale op-art and psychedelic patterns dominated the fashion scene. By the late 1960s, the countercultural hippie movement ushered in bohemian fashion, embracing maxi skirts, ethnic-inspired prints, and a relaxed, folkloric vibe.

Beauty trends of the 1960s were equally bold, emphasizing expressive eyes with dramatic false lashes, pale lips, and voluminous hair. Teasing combs, hair rollers, and an abundance of hairspray helped create statement hairstyles, often enhanced with wigs and hairpieces.

Iconic designers of the decade include Mary Quant, who revolutionized youth fashion with the miniskirt; Yves Saint Laurent, who redefined women’s clothing with creations like Le Smoking; Paco Rabanne, known for his metallic and futuristic designs; Pierre Cardin and André Courrèges, pioneers of space-age style; and Ossie Clark, who captured the bohemian spirit of the era. The 1960s remain a testament to fashion’s transformative power, reflecting the decade’s optimism, rebellion, and cultural shifts.

Dive Into the Fashion Milestones of the 1960s and Discover How Each Year Shaped the Couture World. Click to Explore!

The 1960s Fashion Chronicles: Discover the Year's Major Trends and Designers

1960

Yves Saint Laurent's existentialist-inspired Fall collection for Dior, titled "Souplesse, Légèreté, Vie," featured dark, provocative designs, including the iconic crocodile-embossed leather jacket lined in mink. While the press admired the ultramodern "Beat Look," Dior's financial backers were less enthusiastic. Using Saint Laurent's mandatory military service as an opportunity, they replaced him with Marc Bohan. In response, Saint Laurent sued Dior for breach of contract, won the case, and founded his own fashion house with Pierre Bergé. Meanwhile, Valentino Garavani opened his haute couture atelier in Rome, partnering with Giancarlo Giammetti to establish a brand synonymous with Italian elegance.

1961

The film Breakfast at Tiffany's premiered on October 5, forever cementing Audrey Hepburn’s image as a style icon. The opening sequence, where Hepburn gazes through Tiffany & Co.’s windows wearing a sleeveless black satin dress by Hubert de Givenchy, elevated the Little Black Dress to legendary status, a timeless wardrobe staple still emulated today. That same year, Jacqueline Kennedy named Oleg Cassini as her exclusive couturier. Cassini created 300 elegant ensembles for the First Lady, establishing her as a global style icon and defining the decade’s sophisticated aesthetic. Yves Saint Laurent launched his couture house and debuted his inaugural collection, marking the beginning of a revolutionary career. André Courrèges, after a decade working with Balenciaga, established his own fashion house, soon to become synonymous with futuristic style. In a loss for the fashion world, Carmel Snow, the visionary editor-in-chief of Harper’s Bazaar from 1934 to 1958, passed away.

1962

Fashion publicist Eleanor Lambert founded the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA), an organization dedicated to promoting American fashion and accessory designers on a global stage. Lambert, a legendary figure in the industry, also created New York Fashion Week (1943), the Met Gala (1948), and the International Best Dressed List (1940). Meanwhile, Ursula Andress skyrocketed to fame in the first James Bond film, Dr. No, wearing a now-iconic white cotton bikini. The design, considered one of the most famous bikinis in history, became synonymous with the Bond Girl aesthetic. Andress credited the bikini for launching her career, and in 2001, the piece sold at auction for $60,000. In Paris, Jean-Louis Scherrer opened his couture salon, marking the start of a significant chapter in French fashion.

1963

Mary Quant revolutionized fashion with the launch of her groundbreaking PVC rainwear. Dubbed the "Wet Collection," this innovative line of plastic-coated cotton garments drew global attention to London as a rising fashion capital and inspired other designers to experiment with the material. Avant-garde designer Rudi Gernreich caused a stir by winning the Coty American Fashion Critics Award. The decision infuriated traditionalist Norman Norell, the award's first recipient, who dramatically returned his Coty Award in protest. In Paris, Karl Lagerfeld was appointed creative director of Chloé, embarking on what would become a celebrated tenure at the house. Across the Atlantic, Geoffrey Beene established his fashion business, setting the stage for decades of modern American design. Meanwhile, Jean Dessès announced the closure of his haute couture atelier, choosing instead to focus on the growing ready-to-wear market.

1964

André Courrèges shook the fashion world with his groundbreaking "Moon Girl" collection, igniting the futuristic Space Age aesthetic that would define much of the decade. Paco Rabanne debuted his "12 Experimental Dresses," showcasing his avant-garde approach to materials and design. Rudi Gernreich made waves—and headlines—by introducing the now-iconic monokini, a daring breast-baring swimsuit. Though it sparked controversy and was banned in some countries, it became a powerful symbol of liberation and modernity. In London, Barbara Hulanicki opened the first Biba boutique, marking the birth of a fashion phenomenon that brought affordable, chic designs to the masses. The fashion industry's revolving door continued to spin: Gérard Pipart was named creative director of Nina Ricci, succeeding Jules-François Crahay, who unveiled his inaugural collection for Lanvin. Meanwhile, former Lanvin designer Antonio del Castillo struck out on his own, opening his own fashion business.

1965

Yves Saint Laurent made history with his legendary Mondrian Collection, seamlessly blending art and fashion through his bold, geometric designs inspired by the Dutch painter Piet Mondrian. Emanuel Ungaro opened his Haute Couture salon, marking the beginning of a storied career that would later expand into prêt-à-porter by 1968. Meanwhile, Karl Lagerfeld took on a new role as head designer for the Italian fur and leather brand Fendi, where he created the now-iconic FF logo that would become synonymous with the brand's luxury aesthetic. In Florence, Mila Schön presented her first collection, showcasing her sleek and sophisticated style. The year also saw the debut issue of Linea Italiana, a magazine dedicated to celebrating the innovation and elegance of Italian fashion.

1966

The year saw a creative clash of styles, as romantic, folklore-inspired hippie fashion emerged, coexisting with the bold, geometric, and futuristic designs of Space Age fashion. Paco Rabanne made waves with his groundbreaking Haute Couture collection, "12 Unwearable Dresses in Contemporary Materials." Crafted from plastic and metal and daringly worn over bare skin, these designs challenged traditional notions of fashion and wearability. Yves Saint Laurent continued to push boundaries with his Pop Art collection and introduced the iconic "Le Smoking" tuxedo, a revolutionary statement in women’s fashion. Further cementing his legacy as an innovator, Saint Laurent opened his Rive Gauche Boutique, the first boutique exclusively dedicated to ready-to-wear, paving the way for the democratization of luxury fashion. Mary Quant, the queen of the miniskirt, was recognized for her contributions to British fashion, being appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire. True to her playful spirit, she accepted the honor at Buckingham Palace wearing a minidress.

1967

Yves Saint Laurent dazzled with his Africa-inspired collection, incorporating unconventional materials like wooden beads, raffia, and straw, celebrating artisanal craftsmanship. He also lent his genius to film, designing the costumes for Catherine Deneuve in Luis Buñuel's cinematic masterpiece "Belle de Jour." André Courrèges made a bold move by launching his ready-to-wear line, "Couture Future," an ambitious step toward making avant-garde fashion accessible. Meanwhile, Dior introduced the youthful "Miss Dior" line, designed by Philippe Guibourgé, targeting a modern, younger clientele. A scandal at Missoni's fashion show at Palazzo Pitti in Florence shook the industry. Without bras beneath their dresses, the models' silhouettes were accidentally revealed under the spotlight. Though the incident led to the Missonis being excluded from the event the following year, the controversy catapulted the brand to greater fame. Elsewhere, Jil Sander made her mark, opening her boutique in Hamburg and laying the foundation for her minimalist fashion empire. The industry also bid farewell to couturier Jacques Heim, whose contributions left an indelible legacy.

1968

A year of innovation, elegance, and poignant farewells reshaped the fashion landscape. Yves Saint Laurent continued to define the era with bold, iconic designs. Building on an idea from 1967, he created the legendary Safari dress for a Vogue Paris photoshoot featuring Veruschka. The ready-to-wear version, launched at his Rive Gauche boutique in 1969, became an instant hit. He also pushed boundaries with sheerness, presenting two unforgettable designs: a "Le Smoking" ensemble with Bermuda shorts and a transparent blouse worn sans bra, and a completely see-through chiffon dress accessorized with an ostrich-feather belt. Valentino solidified his place among couture greats with his breakthrough all-white Bianca collection. Photographed by Henry Clarke in Cy Twombly’s Roman apartment and modeled by Benedetta Barzini and Marisa Berenson, the collection introduced the iconic "V" logo. Valentino also designed Jackie Kennedy’s elegant gown for her wedding to Aristotle Onassis, cementing his reputation for timeless sophistication. Elsewhere, major shifts were afoot in the industry. Hubert de Givenchy launched his ready-to-wear line "Nouvelle Boutique," Zandra Rhodes made her entrance into fashion with her colorful, avant-garde textiles, and Calvin Klein opened his company, marking the start of an American fashion empire. Ralph Lauren introduced "Polo," his first full menswear line, setting the stage for his preppy aesthetic to dominate future decades. However, 1968 also marked the end of an era. Cristóbal Balenciaga closed his couture house, leaving behind an unparalleled legacy of elegance and innovation. The industry also mourned the loss of celebrated fashion photographer George Hoyningen-Huene, whose work had captured the glamour of an earlier age.

1969

Yves Saint Laurent’s fall haute couture collection was a standout moment. For the show, he teamed up with sculptor Claude Lalanne, who created golden casts of model Veruschka's body. These casts were worn alongside two ethereal chiffon dresses, one blue and one black, highlighting the fusion of art and fashion that defined Saint Laurent's vision. In another milestone, Halston launched his highly anticipated ready-to-wear line, further cementing his role as a pivotal figure in American fashion. His clean lines, luxurious fabrics, and minimalist approach would come to define the relaxed yet sophisticated aesthetic of the 1970s. 1969 also saw the passing of legendary fashion photographer Erwin Blumenfeld, whose striking images had shaped the visual landscape of fashion and beauty for decades.