They say that hemlines rise and fall according to the state of the economy–and if the fall runways are any indication of this, we’ll be in a state of crisis come January. You can look to any current fashion magazine to confirm that hemlines are dropping, so I won’t go on long about this.

Take a peek:

As much as we love modern fashion over here at NASTY GAL, it’s vintage inspiration that keeps our hearts thumping: reinventing the past within a modern context is the name of the game.

I managed to hunt down this rare gem of a magazine that covered not only one of my favorite subjects, Charlie Manson and his faithful following (more on that later), but something much more blog-worthy: 1970s fashion. Hemlines were falling back in late summer 1970, and this copy of LIFE magazine covers the event in full.

Midi hemlines aren’t for everyone. Sure, I’ll go knee length. I’ll even go floor length! But somewhere in between? How…matronly. If my gams were twigs in demand of 35″ inseams, I’d consider it, but I’ve inherited an unfortunate Mediterranean gene of cankles. Maybe with boots?

A butt-grazingly gorgeous Emilio Pucci mini dress is reconsidered:

Hunky Rock Hudson surrounded by midiskirted starlets:

And an obligatory shot of the Manson spread, written while he was on trial:

According to the LIFE story, sales in jumpsuits and denim went through the roof when the hemlines dropped, as young women of the era took “evasive action” by dumping dresses and skirts altogether. We’ll see if the gals of 2008 do the same. Any thoughts?

xx
Sophia