Phyllis Brown
The 1960s were a time of dramatic cultural change, with the rise of the peace movement, hippie culture, and revolutionary trends in music, art, and fashion.
Young people rejected the materialism of their parent’s generation and embraced psychedelic clothing as a colorful expression of the era’s new values.
This psychedelic hippie fashion was vividly captured in color photographs.
Psychedelic Fashion
Psychedelic fashion was all about breaking the rules. It featured eye-catching designs like fur-trimmed vests, wide bell-bottom jeans, flowing caftans, and floral patterns.
These clothes, worn by both men and women, were famous for their bright colors and swirling, mind-bending patterns.
The psychedelic movement, known as Psychedelia, was famous for its wild use of color and trippy fonts that twisted and stretched in ways that made them hard to read.
Bright paisley prints inspired by Eastern textiles and vivid floral designs became super popular, reflecting the visual experiences that people associated with using drugs like LSD.
The Psychedelic Art Movement
Music legends like Janis Joplin, the Beatles, and Jimi Hendrix not only shaped the sound of the 1960s but also became style icons of the psychedelic movement. Their bold fashion choices captured the spirit of a generation eager to break free from convention.
In the world of art, San Francisco poster artists like Rick Griffin, Victor Moscoso, Bonnie MacLean, Stanley Mouse & Alton Kelley, and Wes Wilson led the way in the Psychedelic Art movement.
Their concert posters, especially those for the Fillmore West in San Francisco, were iconic. These posters, inspired by styles like Art Nouveau and Pop Art, were filled with intense colors, intricate lettering, and bizarre images that perfectly matched the era’s vibe.
The psychedelic art style, which peaked from 1966 to 1972, had a huge impact on album cover designs. Many of the artists who created concert posters also designed album covers, visually defining the music of the time.
Psychedelic light shows became a new form of art at rock concerts. Using oil and dye mixed on overhead projectors, artists created bubbling, liquid visuals that moved in time with the music.
These light shows, combined with slides and film loops, created a mesmerizing experience that mirrored the improvisational spirit of the bands, giving audiences a truly “trippy” atmosphere.
More Stunning Photos Capture the Psychedelic Hippie Fashion in London during the 1960s
Photographer Philippe Le Tellier captured the vibrant and bold essence of psychedelic fashion in London during the 1960s.
His striking photographs, featured in the October 1967 issue of Paris Match magazine, provide a vivid glimpse into a world where color and creativity knew no bounds.
1. A woman pushing her baby in a groovy psychedelic pram, London, June 1967
2. A vibrant group of individuals showcasing the bold, eclectic, and colorful psychedelic fashion of 1960s London
3. Window shopping at Dandie Fashions: Passersby admire the bold and eclectic fashion on display in this famous boutique, a hub for London’s swinging 60s style
4. A colorful group of friends showcase the eclectic, free-spirited fashion of London’s 1960s counterculture, walking confidently in vibrant, patterned outfits
5. Flowing skirts and brightly colored suits
6. A woman dressed in a bohemian-style gown 1960s
7. A man dressed in a bold green suit and a woman wearing a funky hat and flared pants
8. A woman with her bright yellow pants, lace blouse, and vibrant red fringed shawl
9. This trio flaunts a stunning array of textures, from lace-up boots to layered necklaces and colorful patterns
10. A duo in vibrant, hand-drawn patterned pants, leaning against a van covered in psychedelic designs
11. Riding into a technicolor dream – This group on horseback radiates a sense of freedom, wrapped in swirling patterns and layered boho attire
12. Soft pastels and dreamlike prints – A trio dressed in delicate, flowing garments with psychedelic touches, embracing the gentler side of hippie fashion
13. Four friends pose in richly patterned outfits, topped with oversized accessories
14. A chic woman strikes a pose in front of Biba, donning a striking geometric print dress
15. A bright floral-patterned two-piece in vivid yellow and purple captures the bold, psychedelic vibe of the 1960s
16. Two women in matching colorful swimwear and dresses, basking in the spirit of playful fashion in a natural setting
17. A swirl of vibrant colors and bold patterns, this striking dress and oversized earrings
18. Four women strike a pose in psychedelic dresses filled with intense colors and mesmerizing patterns
19. A striking multicolored dress with oversized floral prints captures the groovy energy of 1960s fashion
20. Playful and bold, this model’s geometric-patterned outfit pairs perfectly with her vibrant pose
21. A young mother enjoys a serene moment with her baby in a beautifully patterned maxi dress
