Nail the 70s look

When one thinks of 70s, the first compelling visual that comes to mind is of Diane Von Furstenberg's signature wrap dress. Picture a Faye Dunaway in a wide-brimmed felt hat in Chinatown or Zeena Aman in Hare Rama Hare Krishna. As we focus on Spring Summer 2015, we can't help but think of incorporating all the style essentials of that decade in our closets - the now-viral jumpsuits, bell bottoms, maxi dresses, tie-dye, platform shoes, floppy hats, hot pants, chevron stripes. However, the challenge is to make the look more 'today' and contemporary instead of looking like a relic from the past.
In other words - be pretty yet precise, elegant but not excessive.

If Gucci showcased sailor-style jeans and a denim blue jumpsuit with contrasting yellow stitching, Chloe's runway was full of denim-washed knits. Dries Van Noten
sent out a collection full of chiffon dresses which came with the flimsiest straps and Emilio Pucci's spring line gloried thanks to the the tie-dye tent dresses. The biggest nod to the 70s was Prada's leather jackets with elongated collar and prominent top stitching. Rajesh Pratap Singh's Blue Blood line celebrated the purity and versatility of the denim.

A return to free-spirited fashion
In India designer Anupama Dayal's free-spirited line had a swirl of silk, print and colour. "Spring 2015 marks the return to free-spirit and happiness. With so many natural and man-made disasters happening day in and day out, we need something which is cheerful. Mid-calf length culottes are big. The 70s look was about a t-shirt tucked into a pair of culottes, but today it's about wearing it with an Asian kurta or a tiny crop top. The prints are more overblown and 3-D. Today the accessories are getting more real so if it's a floral head piece, it needs to look life-like," says the designer.

Why are 70s relevant?
Also, with music fest like Coachella gaining popularity, (who can forget the bindis and nose rings sightings last year) - the gypsy look seems to find many takers. "The decade is more relevant today thanks to the powerful music movement impacting the world - be it Woodstock Music & Art Fair, Coachella or Nh7, back home," observes designer Aniket Satam.

Edit down the looks
Unless you want to replicate the flower child look, tone down the flamboyance for a more relaxed, easy-breezy look. "Dress it down," says designer Nimish Shah. "Avoid loud make-up and go dewy-faced. If you are opting for an A-line shift dress, make sure it's straight-cut and mid-thigh and no the super-fit secretary kind of way. Complete the look with a pair of flats and minimal jewellery," he adds.

Sporty chic overlaps 70s bohemia
Utilitarian chic is still a major trend and backpacks aren't just for college campuses anymore. Designers across the board have reinterpreted the safari jacket and one sees multi-pocketed shirts and trousers. "Satchels, cross-slings are huge. The sporty chic will overlap the 70s but in butch form. Reinvented denim is a trend but in with a more relaxed and softer feel, for example, khadi denim," adds Nimish.

Contemporary but not costumey
It's very easy to fall for the temptation of a Studio 54 princess look but the trick is to highlight one element.
Designer Aniket Satam says, "One should focus on contemporarising the bell bottoms and make the length more manageable. Jumpsuits, twin-sets and fringes are other elements that evoke that era. A boho print tunic worn with junk jewellery spells hippie nomad. Fringes in 2015 are more edited - for instance, handmade crochet jacket with loose ends and the DIY festive looks. The easiest and safest way to pull off 70s is to take a plain, white shirt and tie and dye it. Other 70s staples include - a prairie dress, an eyelet dress - all evoke a romantic look. Denim and suede are two fabrics which are a direct influence of 70s. Drainpipe denims, high-waist and roomy denims, to name a few. A denim-on-denim look can be a winner - for instance, a stonewashed shirt with a pair of denim trousers."

Highlight one thing
Diana Ross And Farrah Fawcett are two iconic names that come to mind when one thinks of 70s hair and make-up. However, the trick is to not copy it blatantly.
Designer and stylist Rick Roy says, "Don't go for the big eye with the big hair. Highlight one thing. Combine 70s silhouette with a modern fabric or juxtapose 70s prints with modern silhouette. Don't go matchy-matchy with the accessories."