Feather Cuts and Flares is a new display at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool . featuring nine original outfits from this turbulent period when extravagant modes blossomed despite social and political upheaval.
Platform heels, flared trousers, flowery finery, feather cut hairstyles and hot pants took people’s minds off economic troubles, strikes, power cuts and terrorism.
Pop icons such as David Bowie, Marc Bolan and Abba burst on the scene to mask the uncertainties of the era in a storm of feathery flounces and outrageous glitzy costumes.
Their styles were mimicked on the High Street and Feather Cuts and Flares has some memorable examples of outfits that could once be seen everywhere – from city centres and night clubs to pubs and parties.
The fashions reflected the fabrics popular at the time – from man-made products such as Crimplene and Tricel to natural materials like knitted wool and cotton corduroy. – www.liverpoolmuseums.org.uk