Blow Up (1966)

This film depicted what the world knew about the fashion world at the time but never voiced. A day in the life of a fashion photographer, inspired by David Bailey, it portrays the sex, drugs and rock & roll lifestyle of the media industry in Swinging London. The economy and fashions were becoming more affluent since the depression of the Second World War and the swinging sixties were a sexually free time which was being projected in the style.

Mod fashion was prevalent in this film, depicting the “fashion-obsessed and hedonistic cult of the hyper-cool”. Miniskirts, psychedelic print dresses and super skinny models became the desired and men were being more daring, moving away from the “American greaser” and motorcycle looks of the 50s and towards more bohemian looks with tailored suits, mohair and cashmere jumpers and “winklepickers” which were pointed toe leather shoes.

Blow up showed fashion as a lifestyle rather than attire and made available the attitude that this was becoming the norm rather than the outrageous.