AS the great David Hockney once said, “What was different... was that the 60s didn’t do a revival of anything; that was the major difference. You felt a freshness that was exciting... It was an energy driven by a bohemian world.”

Maybe that’s why I love everything about the 1960s. I wish I’d have been a 60s teenager as the hair, the make up, the clothes, the music, the interior design and the art all fascinate me and although I do adore 50s fashion, most of my all-time favourite vintage pieces are all from the 60s.

The 60s was a rare decade in cultural history where like never before, fashion met art, music, social revolution and ‘free love’.

For fashion, a major shift took place as the Parisian couture designers started to witness fast-moving and history-making trends from the international fashion capitals, not least from London - the unrivalled culture capital of the 60s. The young generation were pushing forward for a new, faster-paced, trend-led fashion world where looks continuously evolved and austerity was the furthest thing from their minds.

Working class became cool and a whole generation of workers were being paid so much better than their predecessors. Music, art and fashion interlinked and with a little backing from wonderful designers like Mary Quant and shops like Barbara Hulanicki’s Biba, a whole new informal shopping experience was born.

Individual tastes were taken into account and looks were styled to suit.

This kept things unique, bringing a whole new meaning to the phrase “personal styling” - something that I still like to do at My Vintage.

Some boutiques even opened late evenings ad hoc, and threw parties, hosted fashion shows and created performances to entertain. This was another great way that fashion and music came together and it’s still something I love to do! You’ll know this if you’ve ever been to one of our fantastic party nights at the shop.

  • For more 60s fashion including dresses, coats, tops, skirts, trousers, shoes, handbags, jewellery and more; visit My Vintage on the Circus in Darwen, or visit our website at myvintage.co.uk