CATCH A CLASSIC
Special Theme: Follow the Thread: ‘70s Styles’
TCM, Beginning at 7 p.m.
Turner Classic Movies’ fashion-and-moviethemed Follow the Thread series continues with a double feature of iconic films representing notable styles of the 1970s. Fashion at the start of that decade had begun evolving from the free-flowing, individualistic, hippie trend that dominated the latter part of the 1960s. Bell-bottoms (and bellsleeves), fringes, tie-dyes and frays were all popular, especially in the early ’70s, when individual expression was the underlying spirit. By mid-decade, disco music — and fashion — started to dominate. And there were other looks, as well, like the ones seen in this evening’s titles. Up first is the 1975 romantic drama Mahogany (pictured), in which Diana Ross plays an aspiring designer who finds fame and fortune in the world of fashion (Ross also performs the movie’s Oscar-nominated original song “Theme
From Mahogany (Do You Know Where You’re Going To).”) The actress/singer herself had always been interested in design — she even helped create the wardrobe for the Supremes when she was a member of the group — so she pushed director Berry Gordy to let her create her character’s outfits. He hesitated but ultimately relented, and Ross’ designs for the film were an immediate sensation. Some described the clothes as over-the-top, while others loved them more than the movie itself. No matter what, they had an undeniable impact in the world of fashion. When people think of tonight’s second film, Martin Scorsese’s Best Picture Oscar-nominated 1976 classic Taxi Driver, there’s a good chance that Robert De Niro’s Best Actor Oscar-nominated performance as Travis Bickle is the first thing that comes to mind. Or it might be the shocking violence associated with the film, or perhaps the controversy surrounding the casting of Best Supporting Actress Oscar nominee Jodie Foster as Iris, a 12-year-old prostitute. And, for many people, it might be the costumes. Ruth Morley designed looks for De Niro and Foster’s characters that continue to inspire on fashion runways and in the streets. Bickle, a mentally disturbed Vietnam veteran, was disillusioned by his country that let him down upon his return. As an act of rebellion, he wore military surplus attire that resonated at the time and continues to be relevant. Iris had a very ’70s look that included a flowery crop top, a studded white belt, hot pants and hat with an upturned brim. And while that attire was definitely of its era, it was also part of a deco revival trend that had started in the late ’60s. A third Taxi Driver character stood out for her clothes, too: Cybill Shepherd’s Betsy. That wasn’t because of Morley’s costumes, though. Instead, it was Diane von Furstenberg’s now-iconic wrap dress worn by Betsy that captured the public’s imagination and became a cultural phenomenon that remains a “must-have” for many women today.