70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion | Exploring A Glimpse Into the Glamour and Style

The 1970s marked a revolution in Bollywood, both in cinema and fashion. The decade brought with it an array of vibrant trends and iconic looks that defined the era and left a lasting impact on the fashion industry. Known for its eclectic mix of bold colors, flamboyant styles, and experimental fashion, 70’s Bollywood retro fashion continues to influence contemporary fashion, with many modern designers drawing inspiration from the glamour of that time. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the world of 70’s Bollywood retro fashion, exploring its evolution, key elements, and how you can incorporate this timeless style into your wardrobe today.

Table Of Content

• The Rise of Bollywood Fashion in the 70s
• Key Elements of 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion
• Influential Bollywood Celebrities and Their Impact on 70’s Fashion
• The Influence of Bollywood Retro Fashion on Modern Style
• How to Incorporate 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion into Your Wardrobe
• Final Of Thoughts Of 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion

The Rise of Bollywood Fashion in the 70s

The 70’s was a time of significant social and political change, not just in India, but across the world. In Bollywood, the films of the era reflected these changes, and fashion became an integral part of this cinematic transformation. The introduction of new film genres, such as the action-packed masala films, and the rise of iconic actors and actresses, like Amitabh Bacchant, Zenit Aman, and Hema Malini, brought an innovative shift in the fashion landscape.

Bollywood’s influence on fashion became stronger as movie stars were seen as style icons. The 70’s Bollywood retro fashion was characterized by its boldness, dramatic flair, and an infusion of global trends, influenced by Western and traditional Indian styles. The impact of global fashion was especially evident in the clothing choices of Bollywood’s leading ladies, with disco-inspired styles, bell-bottom pants, and psychedelic prints dominating the scene.

Key Elements of 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion

1. Bold Colors and Prints

One of the most striking features of 70’s Bollywood retro fashion was the use of bold, contrasting colors and vibrant prints. From bright oranges and yellows to deep purples and greens, the colors were loud, energetic, and made a statement. Popular prints like floral patterns, polka dots, and psychedelic swirls could be seen in both men’s and women’s clothing. These bold choices were not just about standing out, but also about embodying the energetic and free-spirited vibe of the era.

2. Bell-Bottom Pants and Wide-Legged Trousers

Bell-bottom pants were perhaps the most iconic piece of 70’s Bollywood retro fashion. Both men and women wore these high-waisted pants with flared legs that gradually widened from the knee down. This silhouette was popularized by Bollywood celebrities like Amitabh Bachchan and Dharmendra, who wore them in several hit films. The bell-bottoms were paired with tight shirts or flowing blouses, further accentuating the dramatic look.

3. Shiny Fabrics and Sequins

The disco craze that took over the 70’s brought a lot of glam and sparkle into Bollywood’s fashion scene. Fabrics with a shiny, metallic finish and garments adorned with sequins became a staple in 70’s Bollywood retro fashion. Dresses, sarees, and even pantsuits featured sequins, beads, and glitter, giving actors a larger-than-life presence on screen. This trend of glitzy and glamorous fashion was perfectly in tune with the disco culture of the era.

4. Mini and Maxi Dresses

The 70’s saw the rise of both mini and maxi dresses, with Bollywood actresses like Zeenat Aman and Rekha sporting these styles. The mini dress was a symbol of youthful rebellion and freedom, while the maxi dress reflected a more sophisticated and bohemian aesthetic. Both styles were heavily influenced by the Western fashion scene, but Bollywood put its own unique twist on them, blending traditional and contemporary elements.

5. Traditional Meets Modern: The Saree with a Twist

Bollywood’s 70’s retro fashion didn’t shy away from traditional Indian garments. The saree, in particular, was given a modern makeover. Actresses experimented with new draping styles, shorter blouses, and more contemporary fabrics. The sarees were often paired with chic accessories and hairstyles, giving the classic garment a fresh, bold look. Iconic moments, like Hema Malini in the film Seeta Aur Geeta, showcased the saree in a completely new light.

Influential Bollywood Celebrities and Their Impact on 70’s Fashion

Zeenat Aman

Zeenat Aman was one of the most influential figures in 70’s Bollywood retro fashion. Her distinctive style blended Western and Indian influences, making her a trendsetter of the time. Zeenat’s glamorous appearances in films like Hare Rama Hare Krishna and Don made her a fashion icon.

Amitabh Bachchan

Amitabh Bachchan, the megastar of the 70’s, played a significant role in shaping Bollywood fashion. Known for his sharp suits, stylish bell-bottom pants, and aviator sunglasses, Bacchant fashion choices in films like Shola and Zander became iconic.

Hema Malini

Hema Malini, another timeless beauty of Bollywood, influenced fashion with her elegant, yet daring styles. She often wore traditional sarees, but with a modern twist, and was frequently seen in flowing gowns and contemporary outfits in her films. Malini’s beauty and grace were reflected in her fashion choices, making her one of the most admired style icons of the 70’s.

The Influence of Bollywood Retro Fashion on Modern Style

Designers across the world have revisited the glamour and eccentricity of the 70s, incorporating elements like bell-bottoms, colorful prints, and sequins into their collections. Fashionistas today often look to the past for inspiration, and 70’s Bollywood retro fashion remains an essential reference.

Moreover, many modern celebrities, like Deepika Padukone and Sonam Kapoor, have been seen wearing retro-inspired outfits, either for red-carpet events or in films that celebrate the vintage charm of Bollywood.

Read more: Famous Bollywood Dialogues

How to Incorporate 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion into Your Wardrobe

If you’re looking to infuse your wardrobe with some 70’s Bollywood retro fashion, here are a few tips to get you started:

Q. Go for Bell-Bottoms:
Invest in a pair of high-waisted, flared pants. Whether it’s a classic denim version or a more sophisticated fabric, bell-bottoms are an easy way to capture the essence of 70’s Bollywood style.

Q. Experiment with Bold Prints:

Don’t shy away from loud colors and prints. Floral patterns, polka dots, and psychedelic designs were staples of the 70’s. Look for these patterns in dresses, skirts, and shirts to channel that retro vibe.

Q. Add Shiny Fabrics:

Metallic fabrics and sequins were a hallmark of 70’s Bollywood fashion. Look for dresses or tops with glittery details for a modern take on the disco glamour of the era.

Q. Play with the Saree: The saree was reimagined in the 70’s. Experiment with shorter blouses, creative draping, and bold colors to give your saree a retro twist.

Q. Accessories Matter: Finish off your look with bold accessories like oversized sunglasses, chunky jewelry, and platform shoes to embrace the full 70’s Bollywood retro fashion aesthetic.

Final Of Thoughts Of 70’s Bollywood Retro Fashion

The 70’s Bollywood retro fashion remains an iconic period in Indian fashion history, blending bold colors, innovative silhouettes, and glamorous styles that continue to inspire modern fashion trends. From bell-bottoms to sequins, the fashion of this era was about making a statement and embracing individuality. So, embrace the retro vibes and let the magic of 70’s Bollywood fashions inspire your style journey today!