Dripping in the '70s

If you think about it, in the world of fashion and its endless cycle of reinvention, the 70s never truly left. The decade saw the rise of bold prints, flared trousers and platform shoes, often combined with bright colours, glitter and satin. Popular trends included disco glam, hippie-inspired looks and the introduction of androgynous glam rock, with mini-skirts and bell-bottoms becoming widespread. Today, the 70s era, when fashion began to soften gender lines with unapologetic fits, is back in all its glory. For Hasnain Patel, lead strategy at PUMA India, the enduring appeal of the 70s comes from the eras strong sense of self. The trends arent fast. Our consumption of them is what has hit the roof. The 70s, on the other hand, are so self-assured that it doesnt need velocity to stay relevant. Were seeing a lot of earthy neutrals mixed with jewel tones. The old theatricality in fashion is slowly stepping out of the equation. It can be consumed in a TikTok second and still feel iconic, he notes. Actor Brinda Acharyas gown designed by Laxmi Krishna captures the disco glamour aesthetic Meanwhile, philanthropist-entrepreneur Kulsum Shadab Wahab highlights how the 70s werent just about fashion but about freedom. There was an unfiltered authenticity in how people expressed themselves and that spirit never fades, says Wahab, reaffirming it through her label Ara Pret, which explores the eras playfulness. The new revival is grounded in conscious design. Its about balance, pairing volume with structure and nostalgia with intention. The boldness of the 70s today finds meaning when its infused with sustainability and soul. Thats what makes it relevant, she adds. 70s fashion divas Farrah Fawcett Bridal couturier Husna Sait credits social media in shaping how many view retro fashion today. Though theres so much modernity and luxury now, we get back to slow living, and thats one reason why retro fashion is coming back, she explains. Laxmi Krishna, celebrity designer and stylist, whose designs are highly inspired by the bold prints and colour combinations that defined the decade, shares, What makes 70s fashion timeless is that it actually evolved fashion itself. Whatever we do right now, whether bold prints or the bow, it all stems from there. According to her, the appeal of the decade lies in its ability to balance nostalgia with celebration. Celebrities like Janhvi Kapoor have recently tried different kinds of waistcoats and flared pants. It gives a high-fashion look with the 70s vibe, she points out, asserting that the mix of vintage aesthetics with todays fashion is a dream come true for many designers. Bridal Couturier Husna Sait New From The Past For Sait, the 70s revival is pure reinvention of disco glam meeting responsible styling. It defines pop culture and an era where women started to dress for themselves, Sait shares. This season, she notes, is all about reinterpreting the dazzle. Sequins, shimmer, midriff-show dresses, tops with wide collars, psychedelic prints, bright colours, big accessories made from wood and gold metal are the trend. Even large sunglasses are coming back, she says. Celebrity designer Laxmi Krishna in a balloon-sleeved animal-print fit inspired by the 70s Its not about replication anymore, but reinterpretation. Whats in is effortless tailoring, earthy palettes, flared ease, and textures that feel lived-in yet luxurious. Whats out is over-styled nostalgia, says Wahab. Patel agrees that some classics never lose their charm. One thing that will make a huge comeback in the coming year will be aviators, and I cant have enough of their sexiness, he says. Kulsum Shadab Wahab delivers cinematic elegance in a floor-length polka dot gown As the revival gains momentum, its purpose too has evolved. As he points out, The millennial and Gen Z layer of consciousness vegan leather, upcycled fabrics, responsible production. The spirit remains retro, the mindset is modern. Bianca Jagger The inspirations trace back to the icons who shaped the decades mood. For Patel, it is the Studio 54 kind of confidence. Shadab finds inspiration in Bianca Jagger on horseback, a picture of grace and power that defined the decade, while Sait turns to Chers sequined flamboyance that made boldness beautiful. Together, their muses remind us that the 70s were not just an era, but an attitude.