nding on the moon in 1969 contributed. Other influences in fashion came with Civil Rights and Black Power. Huey Newton established the Black Panthers, whose aim was to protect blacks from police while staying within the law. Black Muslim leader Malcolm X aimed to steer black youths from conflicts with religious values and pride in their black heritage. Influence also came into the beatniks who turned away from the speech of white and middle class to black American culture. Black Power and the term “black is beautiful” came in around 1968. There was more ethnic inspiration in fashion, as travel was becoming cheaper. The Afro hair do was growing in popularity, flowing into white and even Japanese culture. 1970’s: The “Me” DecadeThe seventies were labeled the “Me Decade” by writer Tom Wolfe. There was lots of “me’s” fighting for a piece of the action, as politically extremist and fundamental groups were committing acts of terrorism. Fashion magazines told “anything goes” and there were no rules anymore. With the energy crisis in1973-74, increasing unemployment, and a world recession in 1975, many were left with little money to spend on fashion. Those dedicated to fashion bought imports, which were cheaper, and others wore jeans. Second hand clothing became more wide spread and designers made new clothing from old. More interest in crafts was promoted, like jewelry, ceramics, hand knitting, and screen painting on textiles. There was also a celebration of trash culture that brought in bright colors and used cheap materials like plastic, nylon, and acrylic. With an increase in the cost of producing clothing, apparel producers went to Third World Labour. Many women and children were exploited as a result. Gay liberation and women’s movements had their inspiration in fashion too. The homosexual community adopted western and GI styles and the Village People contribute...
