New York City transformed in many ways throughout the 1970s. As the edges of the city were roughened by the consequences of debt, so were the people. Grit overcame the city––music and art and self-expression became as important as the need to survive. This, of course, included New York's street style.
With the building of the two tallest towers in the world, saving itself from bankruptcy, and the community surviving both physical and existential crises, New York City was reborn in the 70s, and its style reflected what it had been through. A range of personalities is reflected in even the most cursory reflection of fashion at the time––bell bottoms paired with metal band tees, ladies suit skirts hemmed rebelliously short, garish prints and some of the first real signs of gender fluidity in mainstream fashion.
There is a reason why no one can stop talking about—or wearing—New York City's 70s street style: it represents the individuality, resiliency, and motivation of New Yorkers at the time. Here, we pay our respects to the individuals who pioneered one of the most iconic eras of style, one that influences designers and design houses alike still today, in American history.
