1960s Fashion and Popular Culture

2 weekly sessions on campus on Thursday 13 and Thursday 20 November, 1-3pm.

Overview

The 1960s was a decade of rapid social change where traditional hierarchies started to dissolve, leading to a rejection of the past and the birth of modernity. Many chose to look different from the norm, breaking with the formality of previous decades.

The appearance of mini-skirts, psychedelic kipper ties and unisex clothing changed the way people dressed, signposting a variety of shifting attitudes towards youth, sexuality and social liberation. Trend-setting modern design and more informal modes of shopping drew a dividing line between the generations, creating a new market for youth fashion and the rise of unisex boutiques. You will also see how and why British fashions changed so dramatically from the early to late 1960s.

With an emphasis on the visual, the course examines different aspects of this fast-accelerating style revolution, through an evaluation of some striking examples of fashion and associated popular culture. Fashion design will be linked to changes in society and the nature of the fashion industry itself. 

Syllabus

  • Week 1: The early 1960s
  • Week 2: Fashion post-1965

Course lecturer

Georgina Gregory has a background in media and cultural studies with a particular focus on popular music studies and art and design history. She has many years of experience designing and delivering courses at various universities including UCLAN, Salford, Staffordshire and Manchester Metropolitan. Georgina's publications include "Send in the Clones: A Cultural Study of the Tribute Band" (2012), "Boy Bands and the Performance of Pop Masculinity" (2019), "Exploring the Spiritual in Popular Music: Beatified Beats"(2021).

Course fee

£35.

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