It has been almost 50 years since the 70s began, a decade of flare, (literally – you should see the pants) bright colours, and liberation. NZ Fashion Museum’s ‘Age of Aquarius…
It has been almost 50 years since the 70s began, a decade of flare, (literally – you should see the pants) bright colours, and liberation. NZ Fashion Museum’s ‘Age of Aquarius’ exhibition opened in Parnell on Friday night, featuring peace sign badges, prints made up of every colour in the spectrum, a bit of glamour and even art deco lampshades. Awesome.
Curated by Doris de Pont, the collection features wardrobes and anecdotes of the 70s, courtesy of six individuals. Right from a pile of platform shoes to the hanging chair and the printed jumpsuits, the pop-up exhibition encaptures the eclectic air of the decade.
There was nothing subtle about the 70s, and this de Pont puts on display. If clothes were an expression of one’s self, no one was boring back then. The pop-up exhibition doesn’t forget anyone: the ‘hippies’ with their headbands and peace signs, the teenagers in their denim dungarees, the working men with flared pants and jazzy ties. Contributors to the collection all have stories displayed on the walls. "When we weren’t dressing up, we were naked."
Social consciousness and awareness were at the forefront of the 70s, and this exhibition shows us that. With badges displaying quotes such as “my DAD’s a good COOK” and “new, clear, free NZ” alongside a pink tank top acclaiming women’s rights, you get a truthful sense of the morality of the times. Definitely worth checking out.
A personal favourite has to come in the form of a sunshine yellow, halter-neck gown. Only a 70s woman could truly pull that look off.
Open now at the Geyser building, 100 Parnell Road, until the 13th of October from 10am-4.30pm Monday to Saturday. Free entry, gold coin koha.
Words and photos, Chelsea Roberts www.theambulant.com
13 September 2013
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