Explaining the Medieval Revival in 60s & 70s Fashion, Music & Art

Hello dolls, 🌼
and welcome to "Explaining the Medieval Revival in 60s & 70s Fashion, Music & Art"!

Today, I’d like to take you on a journey back to one of thew most magical styles of the 60s & 70s: the Medieval Revival. Picture the vibrant music scene, the eclectic fashion, all blending together to create a unique tapestry of medieval-inspired style.
Something about the middle age times and the medieval look deeply fascinates people so that there’s a medieval revival every couple of decades. However the late 60s and early 70s medieval revival might be one of the most memorable ones because of its lasting impact on fashion, music, film and arts.

Often romanticized the middle ages see the scene for many dreaming of an idyllic escape. In a way, medieval revival is and was kind of escapism. People have always used history, whether fantastical or mundane, as a way to retreat from the present. Everything we create draws from somewhere.
However for many the middle age holds a special kind of magic. From the Victorian Romantic era, when the Pre-Raphaelites gave the Middle Ages a magical, mythical glow, to the Swinging ’60s with its psychedelic folk troubadours brought medieval elements back into style. The fascination with medieval fashion just keeps coming back.

The 1960s medieval revival brought a blend of historical inspiration and free-spirited creativity, reshaping medieval aesthetics to fit the countercultural movements of the time. This revival wasn’t about strict historical accuracy, but rather about capturing the romance and fantasy of the Middle Ages through modern lenses.

Dresses and tunics took on medieval shapes, with flowing, loose-fitting garments that resembled the gowns of the past. Bell sleeves, empire waists, and long, draped skirts were popular. These shapes were often combined with bohemian touches, like embroidery or patchwork, creating a dreamy, ethereal look.

Rich fabrics like velvet, brocade, and suede were staples in medieval revival fashion. Velvet capes and dresses added a touch of regal drama, while intricate brocade patterns evoked the elegance of the past.

The high, medieval-style neckline came back in full force. Mock turtlenecks and high-neck tunics were a staple, nodding to medieval fashion but with a sleek, modern twist.

Overall, the 1960s medieval revival combined fantasy with fashion, channeling the free-spirited rebellion of the era into styles that felt ancient yet vibrant. It was a perfect match for the counterculture’s rejection of the mainstream and its embrace of a romantic, mystical past.

Music, particularly in the folk and psychedelic scenes, took fashion into even wilder territory. Folk music stirred up interest in nature, ancient myths, and mystical themes, tapping into medieval romance and fairy tales. Donovan was a master at this—his music and image embodied Arthurian legends and medieval dreaminess.

The year 1968 brought the medical revival into movie theaters: Films like "Romeo and Juliet" and "Wonderwall" played a significant role in both shaping and being shaped by the medieval revival, particularly through the lens of 1960s and 1970s countercultural trends.

But the 60s & 70s medieval revival wasn’t by far the last one. Every now and then someone wanders upon the dreamy looks of the past mixing its origins with all its revivals reimagine the medieval revival wince again. By keeping these medieval revivals alive, we’re keeping alive the hopes and dreams of generations that came before us. We acknowledge their beauty, we reinvent it in our own way, and in doing so, we give it a new life. This is not just escapism—it’s an opportunity for us to continue the human story, to honor the past while creating something fresh, new, and undeniably beautiful.

All my lovin,
xx Emma 💌

Always remember that you are beautiful with & without makeup and that you don't need a lot of clothes to dress vintage! ⭐️

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