OMG I need a Tardis blue bag.
Mid-Late 1970s was all about the feisty but glamourous ladies on TV with long legs and even longer hair. American Gigolo was released in 1980 but filmed in 1979 and typifies the aspirational look of the time. Disco was by then international and a jet set life was the aim, everything was glossy, shiny, lean and clean. Gone were the crazy colours of the early 1970s, instead a neutral palette with added accents of metallics. Swinging shoulder bags and lady like proportions, and the reemergence of the sharp shoulder on a proper jacket but on a narrow cut silhouette complete with the new-look pencil skirt. Silky shirt dresses and high heel sandals worn with fine delicate jewellery, all with sensual, nonchalant flare. Fitness and dance was also spotlighted in fashion and long lean sweaters worn with skinny jeans (then called drainpipes) in
dark denim, white or unusual colours (esp Gloria Vanderbilt) worn with leg warmers over - heels (like broadway dancers rehearsing). Designer denim was born and laid back elegance was key.
Gucci brought out the Gucci Accessories Collection which brought their signature print to bags and small items (before more used on luggage). This made their logo more accessible and reached a new set of young people at the lower price-point. Hermes' Evelyne was designed in 1978, another attempt from H to catch-up with the casual world. Hermes represented 'old and stuffy' during the 1970s and commissioned many bags to stay in the game. As well as the Evie, there was also the Garden Party and neat clutches like my `Lady Clutch (1979). In 1979, Lew Fankfort joined
Coach to transform it into a global force it is today, unadorned Coach leather shoulder bags created a middle market where quality and affordability joined together.
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1979 Coach advert (click to enlarge)
Larger day clutches and sleek shiny long clutches capture the late 1970s mood. Also, unadorned, soft leather shoulder bags from small to medium in earth colours or dark neutrals.
Below my Hermes' BB Lady Clutch from 1979