Reminiscing about a time that you’ve actually not been born at is probably the sweetest kind of nostalgia. Having absolutely no idea of every day live, but a romanticized fantasy of a world of bell-bottoms, free love, blunts and ridiculously crazy hair created by movies and one or the other 70s theme party. However there were some exceptionally hip dudes and chicks whose influence on pop culture goes way beyond the funky decade. As right now we see 70s references in fashion, music and film (and also expect to see more body hair this summer), we felt the need to get our lava lamps out and get into the groove to pick out six of our favorite icons of the 70s. So let’s go indulge in other people’s memories to catch a glimpse of that wild and crazy spirit!
DIVINE
Born Harris Glenn Milsted, this American actor, singer and drag queen, was a regular at Studio 54 in New York, the mother of discothèque and home to the rich and famous. Also he gave his looks to Ursula, Ariel’s antagonist in “The Little Mermaid”. Sadly he could never enjoy the movie, because he died before it came out, at the age of 42.
1972 in Pink Flamingos.
Source: @divineofficial
GLORIA STEINEM
You’ve probably heard that quote: “A woman without a man is like a fish without a bicycle.” Yes, that was her. Gloria Steinem was a leading figure of second-wave feminism, author, activist, founder of Ms. Magazine and got popular for reporting undercover as a Playboy Bunny. She emphasizes the major role of women of color in feminism, stands up for reproductive rights and, best of all, is still active.
Source: gloriasteinem.tumblr.com
GRACE JONES
Another regular at Studio 54. Jamaican-born model, singer, actress and avant-garde in cross-dressing and not giving a fuck. She’s too, most likely, the hottest 66-year-old ever.
Portfolio, 1977 (album cover).
Source: Grace Jones Official Facebook
STEVIE NICKS
This beauty is an on-off band member of Fleetwood Mac since 1975. Our favorite drunk-sing-along-song “Edge of Seventeen” is on her first solo album though. And we admit that came out in 1981, but that’s damn close.
1978
Source: goldduststevie.tumblr.com
DR. FRANK N. FURTER
He’s “just a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania” and best part of the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Have you ever been to a screening where people dress up and play along? This, our friends, is where crazy happens and also proof that this doctor is iconic.
Photo by Mick Rock, 1974.
Source: rebloggy.com
PATTI SMITH
Here’s our counter-culture-anti-disco icon, our bad girl and the sex, drugs and Rock’n’Roll of the 70s. Musician, painter and poet Patti Smith hung out with the cool kids at Chelsea Hotel, or elsewhere and “Because the Night” is by far not her (and Bruce Springsteen’s) only stroke of genius but very likely her most covered song.
Source: patricialeesmith.tumblr.com
The header photo is the most 70s it can get btw. It’s Divine and Grace Jones partying the night away at Studio 54 in 1978. Photo by Ron Galella. Source: camberwellfoxes.tumblr.com
By Katharina Nöstlinger
