Fashion spirit of the '70s lives on
Alessandra LaRocca, and her mother, Seval LaRocca, both of Manhasset, model fashions inspired by the '70s at Lord & Taylor in Garden City. (April 6, 2011) Credit: Becky Holladay
The spirit of the '70s returns to fashion this spring -- and it's busting through age barriers.
Retailers are positively jubilant about what they feel is the hottest trend in fashion. "It's a joyous deal," says Stephanie Solomon, Bloomingdale's fashion director. "When you think back to the '70s, it's when we started to break the fashion rules with maxi dresses, flared jeans, round sunglasses, floppy hats and platform sandals."
"We've already begun to experience early spring hits on '70s staples like the wedge," says Lord & Taylor fashion director Paula Correri. "There's a thrust toward organic materials like macramé and rope. Anyone can wear an interpretation of a peasant blouse, and denim is playing a huge role."
And unlike some fashion moments, which may skew toward the younger set, Solomon says this trend is both "new to a certain generation and a fabulous resurgence to another."
Which brings us to Seval LaRocca, 48, and her daughter, Alessandra, 17, of Manhasset. Mom, who grew up in Franklin Square and was known as "the girl with the hair" (it fell below her waist and featured Farrah wings), is reliving and reloving the moment. "I'm so happy it's back. My favorite look was bell-bottom jeans, platforms and a peasant blouse." And now Alessandra, who like many teens is not always enamored with her mom's style, is crazy about the look, too. "I think it's kind of cool that this is the way she used to dress when she was my age. And I really like the look. I think it's modern and chic and nice."
So, to prove the point, off we went on a mother-and-daughter fashion expedition, complete with era-appropriate makeup and hair from the folks at nuBest. Yes, we used blue eye shadow.
