Inspirational Editorials: The Fairest of Them All

1970s, annacat, biba, caroline baker, chelsea cobbler, Gina Fratini, Inspirational Images, jean muir, jean-loup sieff, nova magazine, Vintage Editorials

Dress by Jean Muir

Impossibly beautiful editorial, even if it is touching on the rather unpleasant subject of narcissism. There are a few images from this which have been reproduced many times, but these others less so – so I thought I would give them a well-deserved airing here.

Photographed by Jeanloup Sieff. Styled by Caroline Baker. Make-up and nails by Biba.

Scanned by Miss Peelpants from Nova, March 1972

Sun top (matching trousers not shown) and headress by Gina Fratini

Blouse by Annacat. Shoes by Chelsea Cobbler.

Tunic and knee-length skirt by Zandra Rhodes

Tunic and shorts by Gina Fratini

Chiffon dress with matching short bloomer-knickers by Jean Muir

Inspirational Images: All Squares on the Knitting Front

1970s, Bellini, biba, Butler & Wilson, caroline baker, Crochetta, Harri Peccinotti, Inspirational Images, nova magazine

Black and brown sweater by Crochetta, wool knit beret at Beatrice Bellini Handknits, metal brooch at Anschel, bangles at Butler & Wilson.

I definitely want a brooch that says ‘BROOCH’.

Photographed by Harri Peccinotti. Scanned by Miss Peelpants from Nova, October 1972

Sweater and matching trousers by Virginia, stripey tights at Biba, bracelets from Butler & Wilson.

Inspirational Images: Sheer clear of the showers

1970s, caroline baker, City Lights, helmut newton, Inspirational Images, nova magazine, Swanky Modes, Vintage Editorials

Top and wrap skirt at Swanky Modes. Sandals from City Lights Studio.

Ah…the Great British Summer. Still, I wouldn’t mind the rain if I had a Swanky Modes transparent raincoat in my armoury. I would probably opt for wearing clothes underneath though. (I know, I’m such a spoilsport!)

Scanned from Nova, August 1973. Photographs by Helmut Newton.

Top and airmen’s trousers by Swanky Modes. Sandals at City Lights Studio.

Trenchcoat with petal-leaf collar at Swanky Modes. Sandals at City Lights Studio.

A-line raincoat with ‘debris’ seal in pockets by Swanky Modes. Sandals at City Lights Studio.

Inspirational Images: Your health too, Mr Bottomley

1970s, barbara daly, caroline baker, chelsea cobbler, hans feurer, Inspirational Images, mary quant, mild sauce, nostalgia, nova magazine, tights

Nova, February 1972

One of my favourite images from a Vargas-inspired spread in Nova, photographed by Hans Feurer. I will scan the others in time, but they all deserve solo appreciation. I think I would actually give my firstborn for those Chelsea Cobbler shoes. Red leather AND stars? Fetch my smelling salts!

I’ve said it before, and I will say it again, there is something about the Seventies take on Forties style (and particularly pin-ups) which I find infinitely more appealing than the originals or the tired current trend for such things.

It takes all the glamour and sauce, but gives it that subversive, pop art-esque treatment so typical of designers like Tommy Roberts, Terry de Havilland and Rae Spencer-Cullen for Miss Mouse (amongst so many other Vintage-a-Peel favourites). The models look quirky, confident and very knowing; I never get a sense of exploitation or submission. Even the tagline ‘exploitation can be fun’ is perfectly pitched and mocking both the exploiters and the prudes. Viva la Seventies!